Life is all about choices. Some choices require little thought or reflection—like the choice of what to eat for dinner— while others demand deep deliberation. Choices come as good or bad. They may be complicated or multidimensional. There is no 100% guarantee that some choices can backfire e.g. career, marriage etc. If you aren’t happy with the choices you’ve made in the past, evaluate your values and what motivated your decision. More than likely, there was a disconnect.
When it comes to your career, you are likely to have made difficult choices in the past and would still make more or face more. In order to make wise choices, you must weigh the risks against the potential rewards. You must make predictions and assumptions, and, at times, be proactive in your decisions. So, when facing career choices, whether big or small, how can you make sure you are approaching the situation the right way. The following tips would help in approaching career decisions the right way:
1. Emotions influence choices
Recognize the role emotions play in your decision-making process. Though it’s unrealistic—and unhealthy—to suppress emotions completely, it’s helpful to understand how they influence your behaviours. Look for the messages beneath the emotions; let your heart and your head work together to find the best solutions.
2. Don’t rush
Don’t rush, make decisions with clarity and precision. Anxiety and urgency almost always have a negative impact on decision-making. Don’t let a ticking clock push you into a choice you haven’t properly evaluated. Sure, you likely don’t have an infinite amount of time with which to work but avoid placing unnecessary deadlines on yourself.
3. No decision is still a choice
You can’t simply ignore that a decision has to be made and expect it to go away. Choosing not to choose is an abdication of power but it’s still a choice in its own special way. It’s the choice to observe rather than participate, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There are times when you’re better off simply letting a situation run its course without attempting to steer it in any direction. Sit back, allow events to unfold, and let the path flow naturally.
4. Refuse dilemmas
There are always more options. When you trap yourself in limited thinking, you fail to see the real opportunities. Don’t place artificial restrictions on yourself or the possibilities the world has to offer. When you face an “either/or” dilemma, look for the grey space in between. This isn’t an empty space; it’s a deep and endless well of potential.
5. Build trust
Trust in yourself, trust in others, trust in God. Have a little faith that everything will work out well, whether or not the future looks exactly the way you had imagined it. Remember that change is constant and you have the resources to manage whatever comes along.
6. Create a career action plan
Once you’ve established career goals, begin developing a career action plan consisting of goals and specific steps to reach them. Additionally, career action plans contain possible obstacles, steps to address them, and resources that can be utilized when assistance is needed.
7. Assess yourself
Each individual has different goals, talents, interests, and values. In other words, there are certain careers each individual should not pursue and others where they’d excel and be satisfied. Determine what you would enjoy and excel at by taking career assessments, receiving career counselling, and conducting thorough self-evaluation.