Three Simple Steps To Be More Decisive In Your Twenties
If you’re in your twenties, chances are that you’ve heard the phrase “decisive.” It’s a buzzword that’s been popping up on everything from business cards to magazine covers. But what does being decisive really mean? Does it mean making decisions with little or no research? Or should it be about making sure that every decision is made with clarity and purpose?
I’m not talking about being indecisive here—I’m talking about being able to make the right choice at the right time. I’ll admit: sometimes life gets overwhelming and my prefrontal cortex takes a vacation!
But, there are ways to be more decisive during this time of transition and find happiness through clarity of vision. Here are three simple steps:
Know your values.
If you know your values, you’ll be able to make better decisions.
Values are what drive us and motivate us in life; they’re the things that matter most to us. For example, if I’m deciding between two jobs that pay me 20k and more per month but one is closer to home and the other is farther away by an hour drive each way on a good day then my value for money is my deciding factor. In this situation, I need to be decisive.
Be specific about what you want.
You have a lot of options in your twenties and it can be overwhelming to figure out what you want. How do you get started? By being specific about what it is that makes sense for YOU. Don’t be afraid to be decisive in your twenties.
Make a plan.
Cliche, as it is but this, is crucial in our journey as we are still exploring. So here’s what you need to do:
- Make a plan
- Write down the pros and cons of each option.
- Break down the steps into smaller ones, then write out resources (such as books) you’ll need to complete them. Be realistic about what resources are available to you right now and where they can be found—you might have to wait before getting access to certain tools or materials, so don’t expect miracles!
- Make a timeline for your project so that you know when it will be finished by (or at least within).
Being decisive leads to a happier life.
As we grow older, we will learn that being decisive is about more than just knowing what you want and being willing to take the necessary steps to get it. It’s about having the courage to make a choice, and then sticking with it until the end. Decisiveness is also about having the confidence that comes from knowing how much value your time and effort can bring into other people’s lives—or even just their own lives.
Decisiveness isn’t just an idea; it’s an essential aspect of life as we know it today and tomorrow. If we don’t have this skill at our disposal, then we’ll continue living in a world where everything seems uncertain: whether or not there will be enough money next month; whether or not our boss will ever stop complaining; whether or not anyone in your family likes each other anymore.
Deciding can be a tough task—but if you’re not sure how to go about it, it’s even harder. But once you know what makes you tick and what matters most in life, you can make thoughtful decisions that help get you closer to your goals. So, are you ready for adulting?
