Making Difficult Decisions Easier – #2 Ask an Outsider

Asking for outsiders’ opinions is a standard fallback for making difficult decisions easier. But why? I’d like you to seriously ask yourself, “Why do I need to get outside opinions to help with decisions?” From personal experience as well as being the person who is so often asked: “What do you think I should do?” I have some pretty clear ideas of how to make this method work better for you. Without some preparation, you could end up with a decision exploding in your face.

Who is the Expert?

The first step in asking for an opinion to make a difficult decision more accessible is to seek out the expert. Whatever the area of your life or business, make sure you do your homework and find the expert. Ideally, this expert has no vested interest in your decision either way.

The other kind of expert you may want to consider is someone who is an expert at asking you the right questions. These are the kind of questions that help you clarify your thoughts and how this decision fits with your larger life ambitions.

Know Exactly What to Ask

Once you have your expert in front of you, it is vitally important that you have come prepared. You could use one of the List Maker methods to gain ultimate clarity in all aspects of this decision. Don’t gloss over any of the details. Be open and honest.

Listen to Your Gut Instinct

Everyone, including an expert, is going to come to conclusions based on their own experiences. When asking anyone’s opinion, ensure you tune into your gut. Does this sit right for YOU?

Get Three Quotes

If you were building a new kitchen, would you only get one quote before signing a building contract? Probably not. So why would you only get one person to help you with an important decision? So we’re talking about the decisions that have a significant cost, not the everyday decisions. Having differing opinions on what to do could open you up to new ways of thinking and solutions. Here’s a quick video about the pitfalls and benefits of asking others to help with decision-making.