Just in case you’ve spent even one tiny fraction of a moment wondering how I make decisions and do I have some magical ability for effortless decision making…I know you haven’t… but just in case you have: the short answer is no, I don’t have any magical abilities but I do have some ways of being that help make decisions more effortless.
We do this all day long. You and me.
We’re always making decisions and it doesn’t have to be as difficult as we sometimes think it is.
We’re usually not dealing with some earth shattering crisis, or deciding upon the fates’ of nations and I know you’ll be as happy to hear that as I am to write it.
We may or may not get our decisions right. But if we view them through the right perspective we’ll all be ok.
If we would but remember that decision making isn’t always about making the right choice, sometimes it’s about making a choice and then making it right.
That way we can relax and move forward with it.
Here are some perspectives on zen habits for effortless decision making to help on your journey forward.
I call them ‘zen’ habits, though they don’t have anything to do with Buddhism, but because colloquially speaking zen is all about feeling peaceful and relaxed. And that’s what we’re going for with our effortless decision making process!
Ducks are hard to get in a row
Chances of us making a perfect decision are pretty slim.
But if you’re stuck because you don’t have enough information, decide what you need and how much you need, then get it now if you can…but don’t be held up by an inability to get all your ducks in a row.
If you’ve ever tried to line up ducks you’ll know it’s a pretty hard thing to do.
You know how it is. You think you have all your little ducklings in a row and then one of them wanders off and gets itself into the muck and mire. I know this because in my youth I used to wander over to a nearby farm and try to get those fluffy little things in line!
What can I say…kids do stuff like that. At least this kid did.
But it never worked..so let’s all stop worrying about ducks and rows.
Pay attention to your body
You might have a hard time using your intuition as a tool, even though it’s great if you can. If not, it won’t be the end of the world as you know it.
Trust me.
Though I will admit that it has sometimes seemed like the end of the world when I couldn’t get my intuition to cooperate in what seemed like a world shattering decision I was about to make.
Though it wasn’t. Earth shattering that is.
And my uncooperative intuition led me to a discovery…my body had plenty of answers.
All physical signs are there for us when we think we’ve finally got that decision making process down and a decision has been made.
The physical signs you might feel are nature’s way of getting you into alignment with the decision you made.
It lets your body, mind and spirit know you’re about to move in a certain direction.
And if your stomach clenches, or your gut starts to churn, or whatever physical feelings you have, do them the honor of giving them some attention.
They’re there to support you. Let’s just say this could be the time to sit with decisions for a while before heading full tilt into the depths of the unknown. 🙂
Trial and error versus overthinking
We’ve all practiced the art of creating problems that didn’t exist. Only we call it overthinking!
Problem is, it doesn’t help you get to the point of effortless decision making. Not one bit.
Trial and error is the way to go. Don’t allow your mind to create problems that you never had until it stepped in with all those conflicting thoughts.
Just choose. Something. Don’t worry if it’s right for now. Live with it for a while and see how you feel.
Think of it this way. Decisions can be a series of experiments that always lead to more information.
And if you’re ever so slightly spiritually inclined. And if you’re here, reading this, then I know you are. You can add the practice of living in the end to your trial and error phase of effortless decision making.
Living in the end of the decision making process
I know you know how to do this, but I thought I’d say it again anyway…because I like a reminder my own self.
Imagine the ideal outcome and keep your focus on the decision you made being the right and perfect one for you at this point in your life.
A person who can continually hold in mind the experience they want is the one for whom it more easily becomes their reality.
Let your vision of who you are be greater than any experience of your past and you’ll become closer to reaching your true potential than ever before.
And never forget you’re a spiritual being who has everything within that you might need to overcome obstacles, rise to your true potential, and live the happiest of lives.
So no matter the decision you made. No matter whether it was ideal. No matter if it was just a learning experience try to remember that everything has its own beauty for those with eyes to see.
You dear heart are well equipped for everything life might bring your way, and even though not everyone will agree with the decisions you make, if you are being the best you possible in the moment, you can’t do better than that.
Because the world needs the special gift that you are.
You’ve got this dear one. Effortless decision making, with some ‘zen’ habits to keep you feeling peaceful and relaxed.
Now I’d love to hear from you.
Share your secrets to effortless decision making…your story might just help another soul, troubled with a huge decision they’re trying to make, that feels like the weight of the world is on their shoulders.
Thanks a lot for reading and sharing and commenting…you seriously rock.
Encourage one another.
Love Elle
xox
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6 Comments
Dear Elle, This is just the encouragement I need. I’ve had trouble making decisions for as long as I can remember, and often put them off. I’m sure there are some decisions that come easily or automatically, but sometimes I find even the most simple ones difficult. I appreciate your insights, they help. And easy to remember, as the image of ducks wandering off will likely come to my mind easily when I’m trying to get mine lined up!
You made me laugh Sandra. It used to be harder for me to make decisions too. As though once made I was stuck with them forever, so I needed to be totally certain..lol. Now that I’m much more relaxed about it, life certainly flows a lot easier. So keep those ducks wandering off in your mind when you’re stuck trying to get them all lined up! Love Elle 🙂
I like that you say “ducks are hard to get in a row”. They sure are. Like you suggest, listening to your body always works for me. I once heard the advice to have someone flip a coin. Your subconscious wil wish for one or the other when it’s in the air. That’s your answer. 🙂
I remember the coin idea Debbie…and it’s funny how that works. Sometimes I thought I’d made a decision I was comfortable with, but tossed the coin anyway and found myself hoping it would land on the other side of the coin! lol.
I also like that you said “ducks are hard to get in a row”. Wanting things to look and be perfect was one of the major blocks that I used to face. Having the awareness now means that I can put out my things a lot sooner rather than being held back that it’s not good enough. Thank you for an excellent reminder!
Oh Evelyn I recognize that state of mind so well…as a recovering perfectionist. Probably why I would try to get all the little ducklings in a row as a kid. lol. 🙂