Steps to Making a Decision When There is No Clear Answer.
Write Down All Your Questions or Concerns: Sometimes you don’t even know what decisions need to be made first. If there are a lot of things swirling around and feeling overwhelming, begin by jotting down every question or concern that’s filling your mind.
Choose One Area to Focus On: Pick a single question or concern to dive into. For example: “Should I keep my job?” or “I’m concerned that my boyfriend and I have been fighting more”.
List Every Possible Solution (If you wrote down a question, write down all possible answers): Write down every option/answer, even the ones that seem outlandish or unrealistic. This opens up creative possibilities and gives you a full picture.
Cross Off Unrealistic Solutions: Eliminate the impractical ones, narrowing down your options.
Create a Pros and Cons List: If the best choice is still unclear, make a pros and cons list for each remaining option.
Do Research Where Needed: If any options need more clarity, take a moment to do some research or make a note of the information you need to gather.
Lastly, if There is Still an Unclear Answer, ask Yourself These Reflective Questions:
Are you searching for a perfect solution? Consider that sometimes all of your possible choices can have significant consequences. There isn’t always a choice that feels good or pleasant to make, and it’s important to offer yourself some understanding that there might not be a “perfect” choice.
Do you have time to consider this and sit with the possibilities? Ask if this decision must be made now, or if you have time to reflect.
What’s the worst that could happen? Imagine the worst possible outcome if your choice isn’t “perfect.” Let’s say you don’t choose the “right” decision. What’s the worst possible outcome? Sometimes, the wrong answer can be life or death, but if it doesn’t put you or anyone else in danger, it could be good to ask this question.
This approach can help turn overwhelming choices into manageable steps, guiding you toward the best decision you can make in the moment.
