THE BLOG

Turning Struggles into Decision Points

Have you ever felt like your business hit a wall? Or have you ever felt like your life was stuck in the same place? Have you struggled with the same issue repeatedly?

Believe it or not, it happens to the best of us. But what if I told you that these moments are actually hidden opportunities waiting to be seized?

IF THERE IS AN AREA THAT YOU’RE STRUGGLING WITH, IT’S LIKELY AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DECISION.

“Did you know that 70% of business owners face significant roadblocks in their business journey?”

But here’s the twist – over 80% of them successfully overcome these hurdles by making strategic decisions that propel them forward. It’s all about perspective!

When you encounter a struggle, it’s not the end of the road; it’s a pivotal point where you need to take control.

Here are four key points to keep in mind:

Assessment is Key: Struggles force you to reassess your strategies and goals. Use this time to analyze what’s working, what isn’t, and where you want to go. A decision to pivot or adjust your course can lead to unforeseen opportunities.
Embrace the Head & Heart: Often we stay stuck because we are approaching a dead end or struggle from a highly emotional place or looking strictly at rigid data. Taking the time to examine the issue from qualitative and quantitative viewpoints helps give balance to the decision-making process. And it often leads to much better conclusions.
Adversity Drives Innovation: Innovation often thrives in the face of adversity. When you’re backed into a corner, creativity blooms. Deciding to explore new ideas could set you and your business apart and open doors you never thought existed.
Seek Expertise: Get perspective. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, consult with mentors, get feedback from your network, or seek out an experienced coach. Deciding to seek guidance from experienced individuals can provide fresh perspectives and solutions to navigate around the issue.

GETTING IN THE HABIT OF MAKING DECISIONS (VS AVOIDING THEM) ….

➡️ Impacts our energy levels

➡️ Affects how efficient we are

➡️ Builds our confidence

➡️ Shapes our ability to be successful and build relationships

➡️ Creates positive momentum and traction

➡️ Keeps us accountable

➡️ Uncovers new opportunities

If we don’t make decisions in our lives (and business)…..we NEVER MOVE FORWARD.

“Avoidance is never a good strategy.”

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT MAKING A DECISION?

Four troubling consequences are:

You don’t get what you want. If you don’t make a decision – and voice it – chances are someone else will.
You stay trapped by fear. No one wants to make a wrong decision, but it’s bound to happen sooner or later!
You waste your time.
You pay a huge opportunity cost for staying stuck.

So, what are the root causes of poor decision-making?

⚠️ Constant distractions

⚠️ Lack of information

⚠️ Decision-related fatigue (making too many decisions without a standard set of criteria)

⚠️ Emotional stress

⚠️ Exhaustion

⚠️ Lack of perspective

⚠️ Relying solely on the head OR heart

If you’re feeling stuck ask yourself the following questions. Allow your head, heart, and new perspective to guide you in taking a meaningful step forward.

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON THAT WILL MOVE YOU FORWARD:

Where (in your business) or life do you feel like you’re stuck or you’ve hit a dead end?
Where is your attention focused? Is it on the issue/problem….or is it on a “perceived outcome”?
What have you already tried?
What are you avoiding trying?
What feelings is the current situation bringing to the surface?
What is the real reason for the anxiety?
What options do you have in front of you that are obvious? Where could you access new & innovative options?
How would making a decision (regardless of the outcome) empower you to move forward?
If you made a decision today, what would be the impact on you personally & professionally?
What could you let go of if you just made a decision?