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How to Make a Big Life Decision Like Changing Jobs Without Losing Your Mind!!
We all face big life decisions at some point, such as moving to a new job, relocating to a different city, or choosing a partner. These decisions can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if we want to make the best choice possible. How can we avoid getting stuck in analysis paralysis, emotional bias, or regret? Here are some tips to help you make a big life decision with objectivity and focus, based on facts and basic psychological methods.
- Clarify your values and goals. Before you start weighing the pros and cons of each option, you need to know what matters most to you. What are your core values, your long-term goals, and your personal criteria for success and happiness? Write them down and rank them in order of importance. This will help you filter out the options that don't align with your vision and values.
- Gather relevant information and feedback. Once you have a clear idea of what you want, you need to gather as much information as possible about the options you are considering. Do your research, talk to people who have made similar decisions, and seek advice from experts or mentors. Don't rely on your gut feeling or intuition alone, as they can be influenced by emotions, biases, or cognitive distortions. Use facts and data to support your decision-making process.
- Use a decision-making framework or tool. There are many methods and tools that can help you structure your decision-making process and evaluate the options objectively. For example, you can use a decision matrix, a SWOT analysis, a cost-benefit analysis, or a pros and cons list. These tools can help you compare the options based on multiple criteria, such as feasibility, impact, risk, and satisfaction. You can also assign weights or scores to each criterion to reflect their relative importance.
- Test your assumptions and scenarios. Another way to make a more objective decision is to challenge your assumptions and test different scenarios. For example, you can use the "five whys" technique to dig deeper into the root causes of your preferences or concerns. You can also use the "premortem" technique to imagine that your decision has failed and identify the potential reasons why. This can help you anticipate the possible outcomes and consequences of your decision and prepare for them accordingly.
- Take a break and sleep on it. After you have done all the above steps, you might feel exhausted and confused. That's normal, as making a big life decision is mentally taxing. That's why you need to take a break and let your subconscious mind process the information. Don't rush into making a decision right away but give yourself some time to sleep on it. Sleeping can help you consolidate your memory, enhance your creativity, and improve your emotional regulation. You might wake up with a clearer perspective and a stronger conviction.
- Trust yourself and commit to your decision. Finally, after you have done all the necessary work, you need to trust yourself and commit to your decision. Don't second-guess yourself or keep looking for more information or options. Don't let fear of failure or regret hold you back from taking action. Remember that there is no perfect decision, only the best decision for you at the moment. You can always learn from your experience and adjust your course if needed.
Making a big life decision is not easy, but it doesn't have to be stressful either. By following these tips, you can make a more objective and focused decision that aligns with your values and goals. And don't forget to have some fun along the way!
So, have you done all of the above, reached a decision and wondering what is next? ……..
Well providing that this massive life decision is about progressing into the next chapter of your career (NOT A RELOCATION OR A NEW PARTNER) then please pick up the phone, dial (02) 8313 5591 and speak to one of the team members here at Property Recruitment Partners.
We’re not relationship advice experts, relocation experts, financial advice experts BUT we ARE specialist property recruitment experts!! with unparalleled connections in the Strata sector specifically, that will be able to offer an objective and unbiased opinion based on what you are looking for and the opportunities that we are working across in the market right now!!
We are also very happy to give advice in all other areas of your life if given the chance. However, we accept no liability or responsibility offered on non-recruitment or career related advice!
Aaron Petrilli | Managing Director
Property Recruitment Partners
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