How to Face Big Life Decisions with Less Overwhelm

In January you'll usually find me spending a lot of time over on LinkedIn. Honestly I love nothing more than seeing all the women making career moves and job changes with the fresh start of a new year. Women being celebrated for taking bold leaps into the new and unknown, brings me joy.
 
I understand just how much anxiety and overwhelm arises when making a decision to change jobs, a career or industry.

​And how important it is to BE in the right mindset to make those big life decisions feel less daunting.
 
People in general are known to struggle with making decisions and find it all very extremely overwhelming.
 
Studies show that this is because we are creatures of habit, hesitant to step out of our comfort zones. When it comes to wading into the unknown we're wired to fear “losses” (what if it doesn’t work and I can’t go back?) more than we value potential “gains” (all the potential possibilities!).
 
When our emotions (like fear, frustration, guilt, resentment) jump in the driver’s seat and dictate our decisions this can lead to several unhelpful roadblocks:

• Hesitation and confusion about the right next best step 
• Avoidance and anxiety about making the decision, or 
• Urgency to make a decision in haste, later realising isn’t in alignment with our values or highest good

How do you face big life decisions with less overwhelm? 

Here's my quick 3 step strategy... you won't be surprised it's about clearing your mindset first!
 
1. DON’T make the decision from an emotional place

For example:

• Out of desperation 
• While feeling frustration or resentment
• Or when you're H-A-L-T : Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired (in burnout!)

 
Find ways to first calm your mind, process those emotions, get some rest and nourish yourself first. I promise the decision will come so much easier!
 
2. DO write your pro’s and con’s list

• If the pro’s outweigh the con’s the answer will be there in black & white
• If the con’s outweigh the pro’s BUT you still want to do it… then use your intuition (she will never let you down)  And perhaps the next point is the most important one…

 
3. DO align your decisions with your values

• Ask yourself: is the decision/change/opportunity in alignment with my values?
• Is it for the highest good for me and everyone involved?

Fear of making the wrong decision may be knocking on your door, but don't allow it be the reason you decide not to do something. Follow this strategy and take 5 seconds of courage to  unlock the  possibilities  that are awaiting you!

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 I would love to know - if you've been thinking about taking a leap recently, what's holding you back?? Shoot me an email [email protected]! 

And if we haven't yet connected on Linkedin - you can find me here JANEL BRIGGS
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​About the Author: 

Janel Briggs is an Author, Mindset Coach, Practitioner of NLP and Timeline Therapy on a mission to support women across the world in overcoming their  anxiety - personal insecurities and professional fears - to build unwavering confidence and self-belief. Mindset Coaching aims to help you fearlessly elevate your life and career, and more importantly the relationship you have with yourself! Connect with Janel on social media via Linkedin or Instagram.

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