I’ve had a few “biggie” decisions to make over the last couple of weeks
(e.g., do I scale back my volunteer work because I’m completely burned out, even though I’ve made commitments? Do I spend a rather large sum of money on a new professional development opportunity?).
I’ve also had a few “not-so-important” decisions to make, too (e.g., do I quit making my own green juice because, even though it’s super good for me, it’s a total pain in the ass and I just don’t have the time? Do I go ahead and hire that personal trainer for another three months?).
In both cases, I hemmed and hawed, went back and forth, made pros and cons lists, and spent a considerable amount of time trying to come up with “the right decision.” What a ROYAL WASTE OF TIME. The right decision was easily identifiable to me, staring at me plain-as-day straight in the face. I just forgot how to notice it. Lucky for me, the universe is GORGEOUS and gave me an opportunity to be reminded this past week. Thought it was worth a share with YOU!
What does my inner whisper say?
There is NO BETTER guide than your inner whisper. She is the one who resides deep, deep inside of you at your core. She is all-knowing, incredibly wise, and wants nothing but the very best for you. And, she’s almost always RIGHT ON when it comes to decision-making. Quiet yourself for a moment. Close your eyes. Place a hand over your heart. Take three very looooooong, deep breaths. Then ask yourself “what should I do about xyz?” Listen to the VERY FIRST thing that pops into your head. That’s your inner whisper talking to you. You may serve yourself VERY well by heeding her advice. And you’ll save yourself a boat load of time, too.
Does this serve me?
This is a personal favorite of mine. It’s also one that my dear friend, Sara Alvarado, likes to remind me of. Whenever I’m faced with a decision of some import, I like to stand back and ask myself “All else being equal, does this serve me?” I often get very POWERFUL intuitive “hits” about what direction to take. If the answer is a very loud YES! in my head, then I know I’m on the right track and I should move forward. Otherwise, it’s a big fat NO and that’s that. Game over. When you learn to say NO to things that don’t serve you, you create space in your life for allowing in those things that DO. It’s magical to watch.
Does this feel good?
Sometimes, I get criticized for relying too much on my “feelings.” (I’m one who routinely uses phrases like “I feel as though…” and “My feeling on this is…” and “My feeling suggests that…”). I used to think that my reliance on my “feelings” was some sort of shortcoming of mine. As I grow older and wiser, though, I learn to rely on those “feelings” more and more because I’ve found that they are a SPOT ON guide for helping me to navigate the choppy waters of life. When I trust my gut feelings, I tend to make GOOD decisions. When I check-in with myself and ask “does this decision make me FEEL good?,” I need to hear “yes,” else I’m not on board with it. Give it a try. Ask yourself if your decision simply “feels good.” If it doesn’t you’ve got your answer. After all, feeling good is what it’s all about.