Your Action Plan is a monthly to-do list of tips straight from SUCCESS magazine—10 things you can do right now to improve yourself and your life.
This month, take advantage of your ability to make better decisions. Instead of overthinking every detail, possibility and outcome, learn when to trust your gut and when to call for backup. Here’s how, courtesy of The Decision Issue.
1. Don’t Sweat It
This week, cut the small, time-sucking decisions from your routine. Plan your meals and outfits the night before and allow yourself to focus on more important tasks.
Read: What I Learned From Wearing the Same Outfit for 2 Weeks
2. Practice Happiness
Jot down the top three uplifting things that happened today. Do this for three days and take note of your increased ability to see the positive side of every situation.
Read: How to Be Happier in Just 5 Minutes a Day
3. Gut Check
Simulate the effects your big decisions would have if they failed six months from now. Ask yourself what could go wrong, and tweak your plan to include those obstacles.
Read: Go With Your Gut: A Guide to Understanding the Science of Instinct
4. Team Effort
Bring your close friends and peers in on your next decision. Use them as a sounding board to voice your concerns.
Read: The Road Map to Great Teamwork
5. Map Your Mission
Write down your personal mission statement. Make sure it’s practical, achievable, shareable and measurable. Ensure it reflects your current and future goals.
Read: John C. Maxwell: How to Live Out Your Mission Statement
6. Decompress
Struggling with a particularly difficult problem? Step away from it and try something else, because racking your brain will only increase stress and decrease productivity.
Read: Think Slow and Other Tricks for Better Problem-Solving
7. Jump Then Fall
Read: How to Find Your Passion
8. Passion First
Write down the top three things you’re passionate about. Strategize new ways to incorporate that into your career.
Read: Megyn Kelly: ‘Work Harder. Do Better. Stop Whining.’
9. Just Go
Do you overanalyze even the smallest decisions? Stop waiting and make the first move. There will always be opportunities to adjust along the way.
Read: Overthinking Everything? Use This Strategy to Get Out of Your Head
10. Remember Your Why
Write down the best decision you’ve ever made. Put it somewhere visible, such as on your nightstand or bathroom mirror. Remind yourself of the choices that brought you to where you are today.
Read: The Best Decision I Ever Made
This article originally appeared in the November 2016 issue of SUCCESS magazine.
