Resources: Where Decisions Need to Be Made

In the last post, Luke encouraged us to consider the resources we need before we embark on a new path toward change. No one sets out on a long journey without packing supplies first and choosing the right traveling companions.

Whether it’s forming a new habit, pursuing a new goal, or preparing for a big life change, making the decision about which resources to employ can turn into a challenge of its own.

Which way is the right way?

I recently experienced this in my role on the operations side of DREAM4.

We had reached a point where the tools we were using to manage our coaching activity were costing us time. They also weren’t providing the insight we needed to manage our clients and measure workload adequately. We needed to upgrade our tools to align with our changing priorities.

After some research, I found what I thought was the perfect solution, but it unexpectedly became a dead end. So I resumed the hunt, and we’ve now been using our new system for about a month. We’re all learning to optimize the potential of this new tool to strengthen our business and are excited to see where we’re headed with this new way of working.

Along the way, I couldn’t help but ask, “How do you know if what you’re choosing is right?” Unfortunately, predictable outcomes can’t always be guaranteed.

But if you understand how to make healthy decisions, you can narrow down your choices and move forward with clarity.

Consider these three qualities of healthy decisions:

You’ve thought about it.

You’ve considered options, possible outcomes, and their long-term impact. You’re resisting making a reactive or impulsive choice. In cases where it makes sense to act quickly, be prepared to reverse course if the outcome is misaligned with your goal.  

“If a decision is reversible, the biggest risk is moving too slow. If a decision is irreversible, the biggest risk is moving too fast."  - James Clear

It aligns with your values.  

You’ve identified your core values. They filter out options that are wrong for you, and center you on options that keep you grounded in what’s most important. Decisions grounded in core values ensure consistency, integrity, and alignment with our principles, even if we’re under pressure.

You’ve given enough - but not too much - time to the decision.

You’re just starting out on this path toward change, and you want to maintain some momentum. Balance the need to gather information with the risks of delay or indecision. If you’re overwhelmed, reframe your action as an experiment rather than a pass/fail proposition. It’s okay to make a course correction down the road!

Knowing your strengths and your decision-making style can be helpful as you assess and decide on the resources you need. Ask your DREAM4 Coach to show you ways to overcome your struggle with decisions and maintain momentum as you pursue your goals.