The Checklist

for Making
Better
Decisions

from SimpleMindfulness.com
The Checklist for Making
Better Decisions
Use this checklist to make better decisions without second-guessing
yourself.

1: What is the choice you’re about to make?

Have you uncovered all the available options?

If you’re debating whether to leave your current job where you’re not happy for
another job, another choice may be to not work for someone else at a job but to start
your own business.

Wondering whether to stay in a relationship or leave? Consider something in

between that gives both people a chance to breathe for some time.

Get creative and be open to alternative possibilities.

2: Let your monkey mind do its thing.

Your monkey mind will drive you crazy if you don’t let him speak his mind. Let him
chatter away while he lists pro’s and con’s and tells you why changing is big and
hairy and scary.

Write down everything he says. Let him chatter until he can’t think of anything else
to say.

3: Pause
Take a deep breath and walk away from everything you just wrote. Take some time
to simply be before you go back to review everything you just wrote.

Meditate. Pray. Take a long walk or a drive.

During this time, do your best to not think about the choice. This will be extremely
difficult but try. Consider using my cloud meditation.

4: Slowly read everything you wrote and notice

how it feels in your body.
If you’re considering changing jobs, close your eyes and think about your current
job. What do you feel in your body? Do your fists clench? Does your gut get tight?

Take a deep breath and clear your mind of those thoughts. Think about the new job
you’re considering. What do you feel now? Do you feel a sense of openness and
freedom? Or do you still have that tight feeling in your gut?

This step is no place for your mind. Your heart speaks through your body, and your
body will always give you your best answer - if you listen.

5: Create a dialogue with those physical

sensations.
As you notice these feelings, ask them what they’re trying to tell you. Treat them as if
they are another person with valuable information to convey to you.

Maybe that tight feeling in your gut related to the current job has more to do with
anger over not being acknowledged. This would be supported by your clenched fists.

But that same tight feeling with respect to a new job may simply be fear of change.

6: Consider your highest values.

Consider how each option supports your highest values.

A few years ago I made a choice to take a high-paying job in a city two hours from
my home and family. I thought we needed the money so I made the choice out of
desperation. I lived near the office during the week and came home on the
weekends.

It was one of the worst decisions I ever made. It clearly did not support two of my
highest values. It had a negative impact on my health because it was a demanding
job with long hours. And it had a horrible effect on my family. Every Sunday night as
I left my husband and young children, I balled my eyes out. I would cry for the first
half hour of my drive. It created distance and issues in my marriage. I felt like I was
missing out on my children’s lives. Fortunately, it didn’t last very long. I will never
make a choice like that again.

7: Boldly make a decision.

Don’t be wishy-washy about it. If you’ve taken the above steps seriously, the choice
should make itself evident. Choose that and move forward.

No second guessing. No regrets. Start taking action on your choice.

8: Know that there’s no wrong answer.

If, after you start taking action on the choice you made, you’re not liking the results,
simply make a different choice.

Regretting your last decision is living in the past which can’t possibly help you.

Be present to how things are playing out. If it’s not working, don’t feel like you have
to “stick to your guns” for the principle of it, because it might imply that you were
wrong or because it might show (to others whose opinions don’t matter) that you
lack commitment. That’s just silly. Do what works for you. Do what makes you happy.

9: Assess results and make ongoing choices.

As you move forward, continue to assess how your results feel in your body and your
heart. Slow down enough each day to hear your inner voice. Listen to it. Follow it. It
may lead you to unexpected places, but those places will always be the best for you.

10: Enjoy the ride.

See the beauty in your new experiences. Be grateful for all the new things you’re
learning. If things aren’t working out, be grateful that you’re one step closer to
knowing what does work in your life.

As the old saying goes: Life is a journey. Enjoy the ride!

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