Dare To Live Without Limits Week Of 2/21/2022

By: 
Bryan Golden

What if you don't know what to do next?

You have come to an intersection on your road of life. When faced with numerous choices how do you decide what to do next? It’s an easy decision when you know exactly where you are headed. It’s much more of a challenge when you’re not sure where you’re going.
Don’t act impulsively. Think before you proceed. A random decision often brings unwanted results. You usually have more time to decide than you realize. Stress makes you feel as if you must act immediately. Slowing down gives you a chance to figure out your next move.
Cut free from the past. Don’t allow it to pollute your future. A bad experience doesn’t automatically taint your possibilities. For example, being previously unsuccessful attempting to lose weight doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Having had an undesirable job doesn’t mean you can’t find one you like. Being on a bad date doesn’t mean you won’t find someone who is compatible.
In order to figure out what you should do next, first list what you really want to do. Construct this list without imposing any limitations. Assume anything is possible. Don’t rule out any options as unrealistic, impossible, or impractical. A longer list is better than a shorter one.
Rank the items in your list from most desirable to least desirable. There is always a way to achieve a highly desirable goal. Moving toward your most desirable goal is what you should do next. Any goal can be realized by taking enough steps.
Gather information. Ask questions. Do research. Look to those who are already where you want to be for advice. The more knowledge you have about your options, the more likely you are to make a sound decision. Acting without knowing is guessing. Guessing what you should do next diminishes the chances of a good decision.
Before deciding on a course of action, visualize the various outcomes of different decisions. Project out several steps to have a better idea of the result of each decision. These “what if” scenarios enable you to anticipate potential problems which might occur down the road.
Look at the big picture. What do you want to accomplish? Don’t become distracted by insignificant issues. They are nothing more than annoying distractions. Let go of these minor irritations. It doesn’t matter what others say, think, or do. What’s important is what you say, think, and do.
Excuses cloud your judgment because they cause you to abandon desirable goals. Excuses justify why you can’t, or won’t pursue a specific path. Instead of excuses for why something isn’t possible, formulate just one reason why you could, and should move forward.
Doubt and fear feed procrastination. Procrastination causes paralysis by analysis. Doing nothing, when action is required, leaves the outcome to fate. If you don’t decide, other people or circumstances may make the decision for you. Positive action breaks through any roadblocks. Taking just one step forward, no matter how small, gets you moving in the right direction.
After considering your goals along with pertinent information, make a decision. Don’t be afraid. What’s the worst that can happen? Most decisions can be undone. Over time you change and your goals change. Life is a series of decisions.
Prototype a decision by testing it before going all in. For example, if you are looking to change jobs, you can work part time for the new company before leaving your current position. Before relocating to a new area, spend some time there on vacation. Rent the car you are thinking about buying for a week to see if you really like it. Testing a decision before you commit to it preserves other options should you change your mind.
The better you know yourself and what you want, the easier it is to know what to do next.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2021 Bryan Golden

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