Do you have a hard time making decisions?

When there are many options before you, decisions can feel overwhelming. I used to find decision making stressful, fearing I would choose the wrong thing. I am learning not to fear decisions, but instead to face them and move forward. Two things have helped:

• Choosing not to be afraid to make a mistake. Instead, believing that I am completely loved and secure because of the Gospel.

• Following a few decision making principles that help me enjoy the process.

Here are four helpful decision-making principles

Firstly, explore all your possibilities

Do some brainstorming. We tend to think of situations and possibilities in polarized ways (I must choose between this or that). There are often more possibilities waiting to be uncovered that are worth considering and unearthing. When I get busy working on something, I like to hunker down and get it down myself. However, I am learning how pivitol it is to brainstorm with others and glean ideas that I would not think of. It’s worth the time, discussion and process!

Secondly, let others make decisions

When I was a summer camp Program Director, I remember my boss didn’t always agree with my decision making, but she empowered me to make decisions in my areas of responsibility, even if I chose differently than she would. This made me feel trusted, competent, and increased my engagement and passion for my job. I was so excited about implementing new games and programs that I was passionate about! I will never forget her empowering leadership style. Pastor and Author Craig Groeschel says, “When you delegate tasks you create followers. When you delegate authority, you create leaders.”

Thirdly, set a deadline for decision making

Throughout a week, you may face several decisions at once and you may not have the brain space to carry them. If you have a place where you write down “decisions that must be made”  and set yourself a deadline as to when you will make your decision, your decisions won’t dominate your thinking. You will have peace knowing you will get to them on your deadline day.

Finally, pray about it

When a decision is added to your list, say a simple prayer asking God to guide your decision making. Then, instead of stressing as to whether or not God will actually guide you, trust that He will.

When it comes to your decision deadline day, you can have peace knowing you have done your part. You have explored possibilities, empowered others to make decisions, set a deadline for yourself, and prayed about the decision. It’s time to make your decision, and move forward. Don’t let fear rob you of peace and joy when it comes to decision making. Remember, you have been freed from fear, and empowered to act in confidence, because of the Gospel.

You are loved. You are capable. Enjoy the process!

“Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. I am emphatic about this…”

– Gal 5:1-2