11 Apr 2020

Universal fact of life: You’re going to have to make decisions. Whether it’s which course you want to study at uni or if you should pay that extra $3 for guac on your burrito, it’s decision after decision every single day.

But the hardest part of making these decisions, big or small, is that little voice in the back of your head. The one that whispers, ‘did I make the right call?’

The truth is, we’re often terrified of making decisions about the paths we’re going to take because we don’t know where they’ll lead us. And the fear that we’ll choose the wrong path, whether it’s getting a tattoo or moving 100km from home, is something everyone experiences.

Those nerves, the butterflies or dodgy kebab churning in your belly mean something. Making decisions can mean taking a gigantic step out of your comfort zone, and those paralysing nerves can fog your brain, making it impossible to tell if you’re making the right decision; especially when you’re scared of making the wrong one. But here’s some things to help you figure out any decision- big or small.

1. What advice would you give your bestie?

Let’s imagine your best mate comes to you with the same difficult decision you’re trying to make. What would you say to help them out?  Ask yourself what guidance you’d give them and become your own Dr Phil. Whilst it can feel weird giving yourself advice about decisions, just have faith in it. You know you best.

2. Make a list of pros and cons

If being your own agony aunt isn’t working out, go back to basics. Grab a piece of paper and a pen, and literally write down the pros and cons. ‘Gap year in Spain’- PROS: spain, A year in a new culture. CONS: No money in the bank when I get home, and I can’t speak Spanish.’ Seeing the points for and against on a simple list can help you weigh up the choices and give you some of the control back.

3. Find the worst case scenario

This one can be tough but ask yourself, if you made the decision- what’s the absolute worst case scenario that could happen? Do not let yourself panic and be eaten alive by thoughts of doom and certain failure- just explore the possibilities. There’s not guarantee it’ll all go to shit, but it pays to be prepared.

And if by some chance, a version of your worst case scenario does happen, how are you going to deal with it? What’s next? Mapping out possible scenarios can be nerve-wracking, but it will prepare you for the worst and help you decide if the choice is even worth trying.

4. Put it all into perspective

Is the world going end if you don’t go to uni? Will your life be ruined if you don’t have time for an internship? Nope (trust me on the uni one).

When you feel your nerves getting the better of you, put it into perspective. Outline your main goals and stick to them. You’re worth so much more than an exam result or a crappy job, and you have so much of your life still to live. A wrong choice doesn’t define you. They happen, but there are always ways to fix them or other roads less travelled which might fit you better.

5. Most decisions aren’t permanent

You can drop out of uni. You can find another apprenticeship (minus the asshole boss). You can quit your shitty job. Just because you missed the boat right now doesn’t mean there isn’t another one later on. You might not get it right the first time, but you can learn some valuable lessons and go on to make some really amazing choices.

So don’t be scared. Take a deep breath, and go make ‘em.

by Kaitlyn Hudson O-Farrell