Your Simple 3 Point Decision-Making Checklist

Your client calls.

She wants you to participate as a panelist at an event that she is putting together.

You want to accommodate your client, but you aren’t sure that the target audience is a match that will make it worth your time.

What do you do?

Scenarios like this are common in the entrepreneurial world.  Being prepared to give answers quickly is essential.  However, making decisions can be challenging when you are busy living your daily life, especially if you are under pressure to give an answer within a short period of time.

One of the best things you can do as an entrepreneur is to really do some of the inner work to understand who you are, what your strengths and weaknesses are and what makes you unique.  Make a list of these traits and put it into your business plan so you can build a team around you that supports your vision and fills in the gaps where you need a lift.

Another way to truly understand yourself is to get in touch with your core values.  These are your inner compass that you filter the world through.  Your values are also the foundation for your goals and your vision.  Without a clear understanding of your goals and values, it is nearly impossible to make a good decision (unless you have super power intuition).

Don’t worry, building this foundation won’t take years.  This work can take as little as 15 minutes to complete.  Simply make a list of each item, ask for help from close friends and family if need be and commit to doing the work.  If you need more guidance, enter your name and email address in the top right-hand side of this page and you will be sent some workbooks that will guide you through the process.

And now… Your 3 Point Decision Making Checklist:

1.  Check in with your gut.  How does this project, task, meeting, person, place or activity make you feel?  Excitement or joy is always a good thing.  Sadness or exasperation is not desirable and is a good clue as to what choice should be made.  Fear is not bad, it is usually an indication of impending growth.  Listen to your intuition.  It will never steer you wrong.

2.  Does this choice align with your values and goals?  If a project, task, meeting, person, place or activity does not align with your core values, you will ultimately find dissatisfaction in a decision that allows it. This is why it is so vital that you have a deep understanding of what your values are.

3.  Will this decision bring you closer to your ultimate personal, family and entrepreneurial vision?  When making any decisions, it is always important to consider how the choice will affect all aspects of your life.  Does this decision give you a boost in your professional life while taking a big chunk out of your time with loved ones?  Remember that no matter how much money something makes you, if you lose your partner or your family in the process, it will never be worth it.  Always consider the BIG picture!

Do you have any thoughts about decision making that you would like to share?  Feel free to comment! Thanks so much for your input!

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