Why I’m Revisiting This Topic
Decision making is something we face every single day; sometimes in small ways, sometimes in life changing ones. As athletes, professionals, and human beings navigating a busy world, we’re constantly weighing choices: how to train, when to rest, what goals to pursue, when to push harder, and when to pull back. Some of us also making decisions for others in our lives (or ones that will affect others) The decisions we make directly impact not just our performance, but also our confidence, mindset, and overall well-being.
I chose to revisit this article because decision making with a positive mindset is just as relevant, maybe even more so, today as when I first wrote it. Whether you’re training for a marathon, competing in another sport, or simply navigating the twists and turns of life, your mindset in the decision-making process can be the difference between clarity and confusion, confidence and doubt.
This piece is a reminder that decisions don’t need to feel overwhelming when we approach them with the right tools and a positive perspective. Just like training, decision-making is a skill that strengthens over time, and the more intentional we are, the more aligned and empowered we become.
I also was looking at the calendar, and thinking about how we have the unofficial end of summer coming up…and then the actual end of summer a few weeks later. Chicago Marathon and other fall races. Some of the teams I work with are back in season. School has started. We are pushing into the final quarter of 2025 soon!
I am not personally training for anything these days, but gosh I remember this time of the training season well. With a fall marathon, miles are ramping up. Self care is becoming even more important. The negotiations of “if it doesn’t happen now it won’t”. New shoes getting broken in even! Injuries are being looked at differently, can you recover in time for the race? Push through and see what happens? Defer? I vividly remember getting the “what-ifs”. What if I am not recovered in time, would I be able to walk the rest of the way? What if I defer and I end up recovering. What if this is my last chance? (This one hits hard for me right now-more on that another day)
So here goes…
Decision Making with a Positive Mindset for Confidence & Clarity: Revisited!
Life is a continuous stream of decisions. Big and small. Decisions shape our paths and define the experiences we have. Deciding on a place to live, a career, which race to sign up for or how many, or even picking what to have for breakfast; the decisions we make impact our well-being and overall satisfaction. When it comes to making these choices, having a positive mindset can be a powerful tool in making the decision making process less stressful.
The Decision-Making Process
- Identify the Decision: Clearly identify what needs to be decided. It’s essential to have a specific goal in mind and understand the problem you’re trying to solve. Clarity is the foundation of making sound decisions.
- Gather Information: It’s crucial to gather as much information as possible. Research, consult experts, and ask for advice from trusted sources. Having a well-informed perspective can reduce uncertainty and anxiety.
- Visualize the Positive Outcome: One of the cornerstones of a positive mindset is the ability to visualize a favorable outcome. Take some time to imagine the benefits and joys that will come with the decision you’re making. This mental exercise can boost your confidence and motivation.
The Dreaded Pro & Con List
Creating a pro/con list is a valuable tool for making decisions with a positive mindset. This will help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option, providing a structured way to analyze the situation.
- List the Pros: Write down all the positive aspects of each option. This can include benefits, opportunities, and the potential for personal growth. Emphasize the advantages that align with your values and long-term goals.
- List the Cons: Next, enumerate the negative aspects of each option. This may include risks, sacrifices, and potential challenges. Be honest with yourself and consider the drawbacks that might arise.
- Balance and Compare: Once you have a comprehensive list of pros and cons for each option, compare them. Weigh the importance of each point and consider how they align with your values and priorities. This process can help you identify the most viable and positive choice.
Make sure that you know your WHY. This is the “tone” of your list. If you do not know this, then allow your list to help you to discover it. Are your listed items emotions; are they “what ifs” or dreams; are they tangible? So many things to consider with this list. The process may also be divided up even further.
Making decisions can be stressful, but there are strategies to alleviate anxiety and maintain a positive mindset:
- Set a Time Limit: Procrastination can add unnecessary stress to the decision-making process. Trust that you have done your best with the information available.
- Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to seek advice and support from trusted friends, family, or professionals. Sharing your concerns and thoughts with others can provide valuable insights and alleviate the burden of making the decision alone.
- Embrace Imperfection: It’s essential to remember that no decision is perfect. Accept that all choices come with some level of uncertainty and potential downsides. This realization can help you embrace the decision-making process and have a more positive attitude surrounding it.
- Learn from Your Decisions: Regardless of the outcome, view each decision as an opportunity for personal growth and learning. Reflect on your choices and use them as stepping stones for future decisions.
Making decisions is an integral part of life, and having a positive mindset significantly enhances the process. By identifying the decision, gathering information, visualizing a positive outcome, using a pro and con list, and employing stress-reduction strategies, you can approach your choices with greater clarity, confidence, and optimism.
Decision-making is a skill that can be honed over time. Don’t be hard on yourself if you make mistakes along the way. Embrace each decision as an opportunity for growth and enjoy the journey of self-discovery that comes with it.
Remember there is no such thing as perfection, just what is right for YOU!