How to make bold decisions
Bold- (of a person, action, or idea) showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous.
Decision- a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration. The action or process of deciding something or of resolving a question.
My wife and I are buying our first home. Today. On the most critical path of life, this is a big milestone. A bold decision. This has made me stop and think…what if we made a decision bold rather than a bold decision?
Bold decisions are classified into two simple categories: in your control and not in your control. We make hundreds of decisions every day. Some are part of our routine, others are thrown at us with no preparation. But every so often, there is a one that really sticks out. The one that shifts our comfort zone, routine, and possibly ourselves. That’s a bold decision. Take 15 seconds to think of one.
- What is it in your control? Or did someone else make it?
- What was the outcome?
Buying a home really sticks out as an out of the ordinary decision for multiple reasons. One reason could be its inherent risk due to the numerous factors that could affect your life. Another is the amount of ambiguity as you research the location, house, and community. But what if instead of classifying it as a bold decision, we reframed it as a decision that is bold. Why? Because at some point when the decision is final, you have only one option: commit. Easier said than done, but very doable. How? Keep asking questions…over and over again. Start with how might we…and ask why at least three times in a row. This approach will conquer any of your emotions because we are tapping into your most powerful ally: curiosity. To be bold with your decision is to commit with curiosity and learn little by little. Feeling anxious? Break it down into more concrete parts. Unclear of what to do next? Ask more questions.
At some point, that bold decision fades away as another chapter of your story, but a new one will arise. I hope it’s one you decide to make and not anyone else has. Either way, the bold part of you is not actually confident or courageous until it’s curious.
