10 tips for making decisions in complex situations

Are you unhappy in a particular area of your life but unsure about what to do?
When making decisions we often long for black and white clarity, but there are so many things to weigh and often our decisions affect a lot of people around us.
We can easily get stuck in our minds, thoughts circling with seemingly no way. out. So what to do? Here are some tips: 

1. Don’t panic! You will get through this
   
   
2. Accept that this is not a clear-cut decision
   This probably means that there are no clear-cut answers. Most likely you will need to break it down into several smaller steps before you can resolve it. 
   
   
3. Give yourself some time to work it out
   When making an important decision, extra pressure is the last thing you need. There may be reasons that you can’t finalise your decision right now. If that is the case, schedule your decision for a future date and stop worrying until then.
   
   
4. Make a list of small steps you can take
   You tend to keep thinking about the one big decision, but actually complex situations are all about lots of small decisions. Being clear about all the little things will lead you right to the core of the matter. 
   
   
5. Realise that each step you take will cause a shift
   When you begin to make small changes and to be clear about what you want, people will react. Don’t let their resistance hold you back, but use any new developments to get you one step closer to clarity.
   
   
6. Look into all the stakeholders of the situation
   Identify the best and the worst scenario for each party involved. Look for win-win solutions. When you consider the emotional and practical impact on everyone involved, some options may fall off your list.
   
   
7. Seek advice
   Sometimes you just don’t have all the information you need. When you try to force yourself to make a clear decision you feel stuck. Consult those who have experienced similar circumstances and go about getting the information you need.
   
   
8. Use all your senses
   Purely mental decisions do not work well in the long run. When you include your physical, emotional and spiritual energy your decisions are solid, compassionate and lasting.
   
   
9. Visualise yourself in 5 years’ time
   Where are you and what are you doing? Which of your options will take you closer to your desired outcome?
   
   
10. Trust your feeling
    When you do what is right for you, it will benefit everyone involved.
    Trust that when you act on your thorough assessment of the situation, it make take some time before the storm calms, but eventually it will.