Try It On. . .and Then Walk Away

When decision making, one of the models that has served me well was learned while buying clothes.  I try it on, put it back on the rack. . .and then I walk away.

I check on how the jacket fits, take a look in the mirror. . .close it, open it.  Maybe try it with a different shirt.   See how that looks.    Then  take the jacket off and leave it in the store.   And I walk away.

Sometimes we get so caught up in the process of making a decision that we believe it is a completely linear process that requires an immediate "yes" or "no."  And, of course, salespeople desire for us to make a "yes" decision immediately.  Truth is, we own the decision making and we own the timing that accompanies it.

Try a decision on as if you would try an article of clothing.   Slip into a state of mind as if you have made the decision in the affirmative.  Does it fit?  How does it feel?  Does it work for you?    Have you  held a mirror to the decision?    How does it look on you - from this angle and then that?   Now try your decision on with something else.   If you've looked at the decision on how it impacts your week, try it on with your weekend.     If you've looked at it on how it impacts your checking account, see how the decision feels with your savings account.  If you've look at a workplace decision on how it impacts you, consider how it may impact your team.

Reversely, now try on how you feel as if you decided not to go ahead with the planned course of action.   How does that work for you?   Are you really fine, or even better, for deciding you are not going ahead with the decision?

Now, take a breather.  Walk away.  Take the decision out of your mind.   Go to another task.   Go to lunch.   Take a walk.  Take a vacation.   Rest, get focused.

Get the perspective of real life.   Enjoy the time you have to think of other things.  Now, come back to the decision.    Which side seems to make the most sense to you?  Activate.  Make the best decision you can.

Remember this - not every decision is easy.  Not every decision is perfect.   Relax in the imperfection and have confidence that you will make the best decision you can given the information and resources you have.

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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle.