To practice Decisiveness, I will:

• consider multiple options
• not look back once I’ve decided
• follow through on decisions
• use principles as the basis for decisions
• make good decisions despite peer pressure

What ‘Could’ I Do?

Daniel Pink did a Pinkcast on changing one word when thinking about problem-solving. I think it applies to decisions in general. We often say to ourselves, “What ‘should’ I do?   His suggestion is to change the word to ‘could’. He describes ‘should thinking’ as narrowing and ‘could thinking’ as widening. Saying to yourself, “What ‘could’ I do?” provides more possibilities to think about without trying to hit on the perfect answer in a single try. I ‘could’ ask my brother to help me with my homework. I ‘could’ reread the chapter. I ‘could’ try one more time. The benefit is that the more options you have to choose from, the more likely you are to hit on the best one or at least a good one.

I offer an additional option. Ask yourself, “What shouldn’t I do?”  Sometimes, it is easier to identify and eliminate the bad or less desirable options first. No, I ‘shouldn’t’ just quit doing my homework. No, I ‘shouldn’t’ watch TV instead. Thinking of the easier options can provide a jumpstart into thinking about the options that are workable or have a chance at success. Recognizing bad options can give you a small confidence boost as well. If I can recognize a bad option, then I am capable of recognizing a good option, also.

This month, how will you frame your questions for being Decisive?

Watch his 2-minute Pinkcast here.

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