6 Easy Ways to Cut the Sh*t and Make a Decision Today

“Geez. I don’t know… Decisions, decisions…” Is that what you say when you’re in a precarious predicament? Or do you struggle with the smallest decision too?

• Can’t decide on whether you want Chinese food or Italian?
• Can’t decide how to spend your tax return money?
• Can’t decide whether to stay miserable at your day job or quit to pursue your true passion?
• Can’t decide whether to work on your relationship or pursue a new one?
• Can’t decide on which nootropic to try?

Adults make thousands of decisions every day. Most are obviously small decisions that we act upon with zero effort, like which arm pit to wash in the shower first. However, there are a few complex decisions that require deeper analysis. These decisions can affect any aspect of our lives and drastically change our personal blueprints for how life should be.

So what are the guiding forces that affect our decision-making? Tony Robbins teaches that the two driving forces are pain and pleasure. That is, when faced with a difficult decision, we often go with the one that gives the most pleasure and the least amount of pain. For many of us, that often means the choice with the most immediate pleasure. Why? Because we want things now! We have this impulsive need for instant gratification, regardless of the ramifications.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, you have people that just freeze up when faced with tough decisions. These people over-think things and end up in what most of us know as “analysis paralysis.” I admit that even I am guilty of this at times. Like many people, I find reasons to avoid taking action: fear, excuses, complacency, rationalizations, etc.

To be honest, it seems like sometimes, there’s no happy medium. Either I’m jumping on an idea with unequivocal enthusiasm, or I’m stuck in decision “la la land,” waiting for some glorious epiphany… However, there are a few strategies I use to basically cut the shit and make an actual decision. Here they are:

1. Know your core values and beliefs.

This will help you be congruent with who you are. If you’ve ever made a decision that went against your beliefs, then you know what I’m talking about. Making decisions that align with your values and beliefs makes you happier and more fulfilled, plus it helps you make better decisions more consistently.

2. Know the ultimate outcome for your decision.

In many cases, you can eliminate decisions just by knowing the outcome you want. Is it a certain body type? In that case, you’d make exercise-related decisions that are conducive to the body type you want. Same thing with your career… Do you just want more pay or do you actually want financial freedom? What change are you seeking?

3. Do what makes you happy.

This is often the simplest and easiest way to make decisions. It’s also a great way to stay consistently motivated. It can be difficult for many of us because of that need for instant gratification. However, try to think about your overall happiness regarding the decision, not just how it makes you feel right now.

4. Get the facts.

This is the logical, quantifiable approach. Just jot down all the facts regarding your decisions and go with the facts that best support your ideal outcome. It’s best if you do this on paper with a column for each decision.

5. Get a mentor.

Mentors, coaches, and even therapists force you to think about things you haven’t tried before. They guide you and keep you accountable with each change. They also force you to take action and follow-through on your promises.

6. Consult the WADM.

Known as the Weighted Average Decision Matrix (WADM), this online tool is an unbiased method for getting the answers you seek. Just plug in your choices, assign them prioritized weights, and pick from the choice with the best score. Simple as that! Check it out at helpmydecision.com

You can go left, you can go right, I don’t give a damn. Just make a decision.   –Battle: Los Angeles

Are you ready to cut the shit and make a decision? It’s time to stop the excuses, overcome your fears, and face the world. Drop the analysis paralysis by trying out a few of my suggestions. If you fail, that’s fine. At least you made a decision. Now, you can figure out what you did wrong and make a better one.

What major decisions are you facing today? What are you doing to get clarity for that decision?