level up your decision making process with this one step

When I wrote From Dilemmas to Decisions, I thought I had cracked it – taking the complexity out of my decision making process by breaking it down into only three simple steps.

However, when I followed up with readers, I found they weren’t always getting the peaceful benefits the book promised. So I challenged myself: if I had to pick just one step that could transform someone’s decision making, what would it be?

This is it: Write down your decision and why you’re making that decision.

leveling up your decision making process

This is possibly the simplest decision-making process ever.

I know, it sounds almost too simple, right? But trust me on this.

Before I really dug into improving my decision making process, I would often second-guess myself. I’d ask “What was I even thinking?”. I’d draw a blank, and that’s where the regret would creep in. Now that I journal my thoughts, I can look back at my rationale. It’s no longer a rhetorical question. I can actually see what my thought process was and understand why I chose that option.

This has helped me reduce regret so much. When I start to second-guess, I can just look at my rationale. If things are going well, I can tell myself that I’m on the right track. And if I’m not getting what I want, I can learn from it and adjust in the future.

This approach isn’t about forcing a perfect outcome; it’s about understanding my decision making process and gaining insights that will serve me for every decision that follows.

why this one step matters

Clarity of Purpose: Writing things down makes my thinking explicit. When I gain a clear understanding of what to focus on and why it matters, it enables me to work smarter. This one step brings focus and reduces overwhelm, which boosts my confidence to make a confident choice and see it through.

Reduced Regret: Being able to look back at my rationale means I’m no longer asking myself “What was I thinking?” as a rhetorical question. It lets me see the “why” behind my choices, which significantly reduces regret.

A contrast to represent the power of journaling in the decision making process. Two women side by side: one frustrated at laptop, another confident in business attire pointing at camera.
If you ever wonder “What was I THINKING?” in relation to a regrettable decision, your journal can directly answer that question.

Actionable Insights: If things don’t go according to plan, I can revisit my reasoning. This way, I’m learning and adapting, rather than repeating past mistakes. With every decision, I sharpen my decision making process.

how to start

1. Grab a notebook or open a document.
2. Write down the decision.
3. Then write down at least one reason why you’re making that decision.

That’s it.

Just one reason is enough to make a difference between regret and wisdom.

beyond a one-step decision making process

If you want to dive deeper, I explore more decision making tools in my book, From Dilemmas to Decisions. Also, if you are seeking a more structured approach to decision making, consider the benefits of working together in a facilitated program, where you’ll get the advantage of a high-caliber community and momentum through accountability.

You can either try and form your own community or take a look at mine.

For now, though, this one step is the most important, and you can start using it right now to make more informed and confident decisions.

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