How Do You Make Difficult Decisions?

How you make decisions has everything to do with how successful you will be. Think about it, we make hundreds of decisions every day from what clothes we will wear, food we will eat, and careers we will pick. Each of these decisions can lead us closer to or further away from the lives we want. Do you have a plan that helps you make the best decisions? Below are the basic three “Vs” that I have found help me make my best decisions. 

What are your values?

As a parent of a child with multiple disabilities, I have had to be my son’s advocate since the day he was born.  The number of decisions I make daily on his behalf can be overwhelming. One of the first things I do is prioritize these decisions according to my values. 

For example, one of the values I hold nearest to my heart is that my son, despite his disabilities, has the right to meet his fullest potential and become as independent as possible. In order to do this, one of my biggest priorities has been to get him gainfully employed in a career he is passionate about. Almost every decision I make for any of my son’s services weighs heavily toward this value of maximizing his potential and independence. Anything less would be a compromise that I refuse to make. Anyone who has ever dealt with me along these lines, has a very clear understanding of this value.  When making decisions ask yourself, “Have I clearly delineated what my values are and are my decisions aligned with those values?”

What is your vision? 

Have you given careful thought and written down what you would like your life and your family’s future to feel and look like? I always ask, “Have you written your vision down because you need to keep in front of you on a daily basis. Doing this will give you a clear picture of the life you are working towards. Once you get this clarity, begin to align your decisions with that vision. For example, I have saved money to help my son achieve his visions for his life, particularly upon my death. All of my financial decisions heavily align with making that vision a reality. When you make decisions, do they not only align with your values, but your vision as well?

Capitalize on the Victories!

Nobody has the time or energy to waste making decisions that will not culminate into the kind of victories you yearn for. I love to win in life and many of my decisions stretch me toward achieving my fullest potential. If a decision presents itself, I take a close look at the victories it will bring. Is the decision aligned with helping me live life to the fullest? Does it  move me toward my long and short term goals? If I don’t make this decision will I regret it? I don’t waste much time on the little things that don’t move my life or my family down the field toward the end zone. Are you the type of quarterback that strategizes your decisions in order to capitalize on the opportunities that will lead to the greatest victories. 

One of the greatest benefits I have also noticed when I use values, vision, and victories to make decisions, is that people get a good sense of what I stand for. When I make decisions using the three “Vs” they are much more consistent and unwavering. My friends, family and even those that deal with my son’s services know who I am and in most cases know before they ask what many of my decisions will be. They are extremely clear how I make decisions and rarely cross boundaries they know don’t align with my 3 “Vs”. I seldom make important or difficult decisions on a whim or from emotion, but based upon well thought out and intentional outcomes I want for my life. 

I would encourage you to become more aware of your decisions on a daily basis. How in alignment are they with your three “Vs”? Take a few moments and share below how the three “Vs” could help you with your decisions.