How To Make a Big, Terrifying Decision as a female entrepreneur and leader
"It's time to make a decision. And not just any decision, but a big, important, life-altering decision. This is the kind of decision that could make or break your business, your career, and your sanity. But don't worry, I'm here to help you through it." You're used to making tough decisions as a female entrepreneur or professional. But sometimes, you're faced with a choice that is so big and so terrifying that it feels impossible to know what to do. Whether it's deciding whether or not to start your own business, changing careers, or something else entirely, making a huge decision can be daunting.
We often find ourselves paralyzed by fear, unsure which way to turn. But what if I told you there is a science behind making these decisions? Is there a way to increase your chances of success and minimize your risk of failure?
Here's the thing: when faced with a big decision, our brain is hardwired to try and protect us from making a mistake. That's why we often find ourselves second-guessing our choices or overthinking things. But the truth is that making a mistake is not always bad. Some of the most successful people in the world are those who have made the biggest mistakes.
So how do you overcome your fear and make big, scary decisions?
Here are five strategies that changed the game for me:
Strategy One: Understand that your brain is trying to help you.
Your brain gives you all those worries and doubts to protect you from making a mistake. Here's how it works: when you're faced with a decision, your brain automatically activates what's called the threat response system. This is the same system that kicks in when you're faced with a physical threat, like a lion or a snake. Your heart rate increases, your breathing quickens, and your muscles tense up.
The threat response system is there to help us survive. But it's not helpful when we're trying to make a decision. That's because we're not thinking clearly or rationally when we're in survival mode. We're just reacting emotionally.
It's not necessarily trying to scare you or keep you from taking risks. Once you understand this, you can start to work with your brain instead of against it.
Strategy Two: Accept that making a mistake is part of the process.
Entrepreneurs, moms, and other leaders know this all too well. We're constantly bombarded with choices, and sometimes the stakes seem incredibly high. So how do we make the best decision possible? First, it's important to understand that there is no such thing as a perfect decision. Every choice we make has the potential to lead to both good and bad outcomes. The key is to minimize the risk of making mistakes by doing homework and gathering as much information as possible. Once you've gathered all the facts, it's time to listen to your gut.
Trust your instincts and go with your gut feeling. Making a big, terrifying decision can be scary but remember that mistakes are part of the journey. Embrace them and learn from them. With each big decision you make, you'll become more and more confident in your ability to handle whatever comes your way. Studies have shown that people who make decisions based on their emotions are likelier to stick to their choices than those who try to reason their way through a decision. So, if you're feeling scared or unsure about a decision, that's a good sign! It means your emotions are engaged, and you're likelier to stick with your choice.
It's okay to be scared, but don't let your fear of making a mistake keep you from moving forward.
Strategy Three: Take time to reflect on your values and what's important to you.
There's a lot of science behind making big, terrifying decisions. When faced with a choice that could have significant implications for our lives, it's essential to take some time to reflect on our values and what's important to us. This process helps ensure that we make the best possible decision for ourselves and our families.
Of course, sometimes the choice is clear-cut, and there's no need for extensive reflection. But other times, it can be helpful to sit down and consider all the potential outcomes of a decision before making a final call. By taking a step back and looking at the situation from all angles, we can help ensure that we're making the best possible decision for ourselves and our loved ones.
Strategy Four: Take some time for yourself to clear your head and relax.
When making big decisions, we often think that the best action is to go with our gut. However, research suggests that this may not always be the best approach. Scientists have found that taking time to relax and clear your head can help you make better decisions. One study found that when people were given a difficult decision, those who took a few minutes to meditate or take a walk were more likely to make the correct choice than those who didn't.
The reason for this is that relaxation helps to reduce the activity of the amygdala, which is responsible for fear and anxiety. This, in turn, allows the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for reasoning and judgment, to function more effectively. So next time you face a big decision, don't be afraid to take some time for yourself first. It just might help you make the right choice.
Strategy Five: Make a decision and stick to it.
It turns out that our brains are hardwired to change our minds. Every time we make a decision, our brain goes through a process of weighing the pros and cons. This is why it's so easy to second-guess ourselves - our brains constantly look for ways to improve our decisions.
So how can we make sure that we stick to our decisions? The key is to understand the science behind decision-making. Once we know how our brains work, we can use proven techniques to overcome indecision and commit to our goals. For example, one effective strategy is to break down a goal into smaller steps. This makes it feel less daunting and more achievable, which increases the likelihood that we'll stick with it. By understanding the science of decision-making, we can arm ourselves with the tools we need to make powerful choices and achieve our goals.
Bonus Strategy: Ask for help
Asking for help can be one of the smartest things you can do. That's because when we ask for help, we tap into social intelligence's power. Social intelligence is the ability to read other people and understand their thoughts and feelings. It allows us to size up a situation and figure out the best way to respond. And it's an essential skill for entrepreneurs, moms, and anyone who wants to be a successful leader. When we ask for help, we're effectively asking for access to someone else's social intelligence. We're saying, "I need your help to figure this out." And that can be a very powerful thing. So, if you're ever feeling stuck, don't be afraid to ask for help. You might be surprised at how much it can help you move forward.
Bottom-line
There's no such thing as a perfect decision. Every choice we make has potential trade-offs and risks. So, instead of agonizing over whether or not we're making the right choice, it's important to focus on making the best decision given the information we have. However, by understanding the science behind decision-making, we can arm ourselves with the tools we need to make powerful choices and achieve our goals. So don't be afraid to go out and make some big, terrifying decisions. We hope you found this blog post helpful as you work through your next big decision. If you're looking for more resources, we've got you covered. The Resilience Toolkit has everything from articles to worksheets to help you boost your resilience and power through any tough decision. Good luck – we believe in you! Just remember to use the strategies in this article to help you make the best possible choice.
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