Why can it be so difficult to make a decision for yourself but much easier when you are helping a friend? 

When a friend asks for your help in making a decision, something magical happens. You become engaged in the conversation, ask some great questions, get to the core of things, and voila – you have a happy friend who now knows what they want to do.

What is a decision you are struggling with? 

Doubt, confusion, and uncertainty often get in the way of making powerful decisions for ourselves. You end up telling yourself that you are about to make a BIG, COMPLEX, or DIFFICULT decision (which is what your friends are thinking about their choices as well, by the way).

Here is the difference between the two:

• When you help a friend, you delete any non-relevant information and stay focused on the outcome. Almost automatically, you hone in on the core challenge and look for a solution.
• When you are struggling with a decision for yourself, you tend to add (not filter out) more layers of complexity. You can think of the added layers of considerations (often emotions, what others might think or expect of you, etc.) like a dense fog that makes it difficult to maneuver.

Take Susan, who felt stuck in deciding where to spend her time and money in her business. Feeling overwhelmed with so many considerations, she wasn’t sure what to do. What advice would she give to her best friend? Hire a bookkeeper and fine-tune scheduling. Susan knew the answer without hesitation (and had to laugh at how quickly she could decide).

When you take yourself out of the problem, it is easier for you to see the solution.

How can you apply this insight? The next time you feel stuck, pretend you are helping a friend decide. A simple strategy that can help you keep moving.

Does this sound like you? Reach out and make the first step on your journey to freedom.