When is the best time to make a decision? If I were to create an ideal scenario, I would say the best time to make a decision is when I am well-rested, focused, and when I have examined all the facts and angles that could impact my choice.
Let’s be real, though. Few decisions are made in an ideal environment. Performance under pressure, after all, is one of the best qualities a leader can have. Even for the best leaders, decision-making during the COVID-19 crisis is a special challenge. We’re struggling with uncertainty and stress and the “between a rock and a hard place” of economy versus public health. It’s tough. Leaders are having to make some major calls right now, calls that impact the wellbeing of their companies, families, employees, and communities.
A 2017 behavioral science publication article declared, “...research suggests that stress exposure influences basic neural circuits involved in reward processing and learning, while also biasing decisions towards habit and modulating our propensity to engage in risk-taking.”
To put it plainly, stress impacts our ability to make good decisions. It clouds our judgment. So right now, in the midst of so much stress and fear, it’s critical that we equip ourselves with the right tools and the right mindset to make good decisions.
3 Rules for Making Good Decisions When Stressed
1) Don’t make decisions when emotions are high.
There are few things that can kill our resolve more than an insurmountable challenge — a test of willpower!. Does the dieter want to throw in the towel more than when in the presence of a fine dessert? Does a runner want to quit more than when he hits the wall during a marathon? An emotional high (or low) can compromise decision-making. Resentment, frustration, exhaustion, and anger influence decisions as readily as excitement, fear, and joy can.
Emotions bring out our impulsive nature. This impulse can be to forge ahead or quit. Regardless, acting on emotion is never a wise decision. This isn’t to say ignore your emotions. It’s to say that we must evaluate how they influence judgment. You may feel one way in the thick of things, but there is no guarantee these feelings will persist.
Don’t make decisions out of avoidance or fear of negative consequences. Let the potential for positive outcomes motivate you, first and foremost. The trade-off might seem worth it in the moment of an emotional high, but in the clear light of day, you will see that how you felt then was fleeting — and not a basis for making a big decision.
2) Don’t overthink it.
Analysis paralysis is real. I think right now, we’re dealing with so many statistics, so much news, so many facts, but little in terms of concrete consequences or results. There’s too much up in the air. We can get caught up in trying to know and weigh every little factor. While I’m an advocate for due diligence, there is something to be said for going with your gut.
The best decisions, I think, are based on your gut and on a healthy amount of pertinent information. When under stress, you can agonize about every little decision. You can find yourself doubting your own abilities, your clarity, and your ability to lead. Don’t let these what-ifs, doubts, and anxieties stall you.
The right decision may not come to you easily. It may take a lot of effort, brainstorming, and tough moments. In the end, though, we just have to make the call.
Trust what you know. Trust your own ability and experience. It may not bring about the results that you want, but it is the best you can do.
3) Ground yourself in the right things.
Lastly (and perhaps most importantly), ground yourself. Decision-making has a habit of muddying the waters. We can lose sight of what’s right. This is where having a defined purpose, defined goals, and values matters. When we just want to get out of a bad situation, we can make decisions that compromise the things that are truly important to us. It may not be as extreme as compromising your morals or your reputation, but it may compromise relationships and personal wellbeing.
When making decisions, keep these things that matter most — your values, your relationships, your stability — at the forefront. Knowing what it is you put above other factors will bring great clarity to your decision-making process.
What strategies allow you to make good decisions in tough times? Share in the comments.