Top Highlights

• When we’re trying to solve a thorny problem, we often have to sort through a lot of conflicting information — in addition to our feelings. So the first thing to do is to identify what decision you need to make.
• 2. Identify how you feel about the decision you have to make. Consider your emotions as you contemplate making a big decision. What is the dominant emotion you are feeling? Is it fear? Anxiety? A sense of being overwhelmed or perhaps excitement at the opportunity ahead? Are your feelings based on previous experiences or other sources of information...
• 3. Visualize your success and how it feels. Imagine that you’ve made a successful decision. How do you feel now? Do you feel a sense of accomplishment or relief? Do you have a clearer direction for the future? Have you furthered your career, or perhaps strengthened your relationships?
• 4. Apply the emotional bookends. Now that you’ve examined your initial decision and the emotional bookends for it, consider: Have you correctly identified the decision you are making?
• We think we don’t have time to invest in the decision-making process — and we definitely don’t want to dwell in the emotional discomfort, such as anxiety and frustration, that big decisions bring up. It can feel easier to turn complex decisions over to our emotions — and our lizard brain. Calling on our wizard brain sounds like magic, but it’s not...

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