Life is rarely straightforward.  At times, you come to a juncture where you face a difficult decision.  Do you continue in a job that is ‘okay’ but not great?  Do you try a new alternative health remedy for a condition that has plagued you for too long?  Do you end a friendship that no longer feels positive?  Do you ask for help for your problems?

When facing tough choices, reflect on the questions below.  Such questions allow you to arrive at a decision that is best for you at this time.

1. How important is this decision really?  Before you get caught up in anxiety and fear, check in regarding the actual seriousness of the decision.  This is helpful in achieving a balanced perspective about how you could handle potential outcomes.
   

   ---

2. Does this action align with my values?  Values help us clarify how you live your life and how you want to impact the world.  When you have clearly identified values, you will notice that you can call upon those values to determine what factors get priority in making a choice.
   

   ---

   

3. How time sensitive is this decision?  If you are already overwhelmed, see if you are able to defer the decision.  It is extremely difficult to make considered choices when you are juggling too many balls already.  If you can allow the dust to settle a bit, you will likely have greater clarity.
   

   ---

4. What do your inner circle say?  Seek input, but only from those who are close to you and who know your situation intimately.  It can be tempting to ask for an opinion from everyone you know and yet this will probably just lead to even more options that you had never thought of with no further direction about what to do!  So choose your circle carefully and let them know you would like to hear their thoughts but that you will then make the decision on your own.
   

   ---

5. What would I do if no one else was involved?  In addition to seeking advice, privately consider what you would do if you could decide alone with no one else affected.  Of course, there will be others impacted; use the contemplation to check in with your inner desires and use this as one of the factors in the ultimate decision.

Once you have made a choice, allow yourself to let go of the deciding.  Reassure yourself that regardless of the outcome, you are doing the best you can to make a wise decision and that is all you can ask of yourself.