3 Essential Tools For Making Big Decisions

We’ve spent a lot of time focusing on change: on adventure, on curve-balls and other surprises. In Anthony Robbins’ TED talk, he calls uncertainty a human need: “How many of you like surprises? You only like the surprises you want. The ones you don’t want, you call problems, but you need them.”

We often want change but are uncomfortable when change comes. Maybe you’re facing a post-graduation job search, adjusting to life as an adult and/or parent, moving to a new city, or considering a new career. Confronting change forces us to look future straight in the face, and make decisions that will alter our lives significantly. Decision-making and action can be scary, and sometimes it seems easier to do nothing and allow life to be full of unrealized possibilities. But without decisive action, possibilities never turn into realities.

We also want to be sure that our decisions are guided by God. We hope that these changes will positively affect our future, create new opportunities to influence those around us, and allow us to effectively represent God.

Here are some tips to support you as you make those exciting, life-affirming, scary decisions:

Make Charts.

Reflection is an essential part of the decision-making process, and it is often helpful to write down your thoughts in an organized fashion. Ask yourself what you want out of life, ask yourself what God wants for your life. Outline your values and goals and see how they match up. Then think of your action-steps and write those down too. How are you going to practically achieve your goals? What are the immediate actions you need to take, and what are the long-term actions?

Welcome God Daily.

These times of change are a time when God can work. Invite him into your process; ask Him to guide your decisions, and to create opportunities. You are lucky, you have the competitive edge. How can you lose if God is on your side? He wants you to be successful and happy and influential and rich! He also knows things that you don’t know: maybe the job you’re interviewing for isn’t right for you, so he has something better in mind.

Seek Others Like Yourself.

Hyun Moraes, Unificationist and member of the band Sail the Boat, said it best when asked about the 12-state tour they are embarking on this summer: “If you surround yourself with people with similar dreams, and you have the support of your community, then really anything is possible.” Support is necessary in our lives, and it is important to surround ourselves with those who share the same beliefs, who have similar goals, and who want the best for us. Seek peers who are facing similar decisions, and seek mentors. These are the people that God will most likely work through, these are the people who will have the best advice. They understand what your values are, and the motive behind your goals. If you have the support of your peers, you can grow together; if you have the guidance of a mentor: a pastor, a parent, an older brother or sister, you’ll have the voice of experience.

Transitions are a time when we can be a blank page and redefine ourselves. Rather than focusing on the uncertainty and overwhelming tasks ahead, reflect on who you are, what you value, and what elements you are trying to bring into your life. Make your choices based on what matters in your life, and you won’t go wrong.

Know a friend who who is currently experiencing a big transition in life? Share this article with them! What are some big changes that you had to face, and how could you see God’s hand in them? Tell us your experiences in the comments below.