Deep sensory processing is associated with taking more time in decision making. This can sometimes be an advantage. It can also turn to unnecessary deep processing of many details. Here are a few tips to simplify your decision-making with grace. Choose the ones that resonate with you, some of them might not be your style and that’s OK.
Clarifying
Break it down: If it feels that there is too much to focus on at the same time, break down big decisions into several smaller decisions. This will allow you to
Make one choice at a time: As you focus on one step at a time, you will soon get a sense of advancement and clarity as you are looking forward to the next steps.
Prioritize: Identify what's most important for you. Let it guide you. You might write a clear numbered list to help you visualize your next steps.
Managing doubt
Once you have ordered things mentally, it might still be difficult to move forward due to doubt. Here are some ways you can improve how you deal with doubt in decision-making:
Pros and cons: Write the positives and the negatives down in a two column table. You might want to use weights for items that are more important than others (e.g this line counts double). Seeing it on paper or on screen helps, especially if you have a strong visual memory.
Visualize outcomes: Soften your gaze or close your eyes if comfortable. write down what each outcome would look like. Which looks and feels more harmonious?
Seek a confidant's insight: Sometimes, a family member, trusted friend or co-worker's perspective can help you to take distance from what you are dealing with and shift your perspective if needed.
Time boundaries: If you tend to lose yourself in overthinking, you may try giving yourself an inner deadline for each decision. If the deadline is not met, don’t feel bad about it, and keep practicing.
Here are a few more general empowering strategies for making choices:
Limit options: Where possible, reduce the number of choices to a manageable few.
Mindful pauses: Take breaks during decision-making to reset and refocus. You may adjust the length of these pauses to the situation and to your personal needs.
Trust your intuition: Often, our first intuition is aligned with your true preferences. Take note of this initial feeling and come back to it after you have used logic to make your decision. Check if the final decision is aligned with your first feeling. If not, try and find out why before you move on.
Feel it: Connect to your feelings if you decide on Y or y. To make this easier, you may delineate two spaces, one for each potential decision, and step into each as a space representing the new reality created by the decision. Notice: when you think about this choice, do you feel lighter or heavier? How do you feel in this new space?
Thoughts that can help:
Most decisions are not set in stone: Give yourself the right to make a mistake once in a while, every human does!
You're in control: Embrace your ability to choose, even if it's deciding to not decide right now.
There’s growth in each decision. Every choice you make is a step in your journey and an opportunity to learn and grow.
