“Whatever you like.”

One of the most important skills you can develop for success in life is the ability to evaluate situations quickly and make definite decisions.Many people struggle with the process of decision making. Whether it is at home, or at work, it is easy to become paralyzed by the fear of making the ‘wrong’ decision.This fear often leads us to avoid making decisions altogether and we end up delegating our decision making to the people around us.For example, when someone asks, “What movie would you like to see?”You might reply with one of these tell-tale responses: “Oh, I don’t mind.”
“Whatever you like.”
“I’m not fussed.”
“Your choice.”
“Anything is fine.”
The problem with dismissive responses such as these is that they quickly develop into the habit of indecision. This in turn can become a major obstacle to achieving your most important goals in life.
“The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.”
- Flora Whittemore
The first step to becoming more decisive is to understand that making decisions is a skill and just like any other skill, it improves with practice.Instead of waiting until you are confronted with a major decision, the best way to exercise your ‘decision making muscle’ is to practice on the multitude of small decisions that you make each and every day.Whenever someone asks for your opinion on any subject, here’s what you should do:
(1) Avoid responding with a dismissive remark such as “I’m not fussed”

(2) Stop for a moment and give yourself time to think

(3) Become aware of what your ‘gut feeling’ is

(4) State your opinion confidently
So, the next time someone asks you “What movie would you like to see?” don’t leave the decision making up to others. Instead, stop for a moment, become aware of your ‘gut feeling’, and then state your opinion confidently. For example you might say something like “I feel like seeing a comedy…”As you practice this simple process, you will find it becomes easier to tune into your gut feelings and identify what YOU want instead of always being influenced by those around you.By exercising your ability to identify and express your opinion, you will gradually overcome the fear of making decisions.Eventually, when you are confronted by a more serious decision, you will be able to draw upon your well-practiced decision making skills to evaluate the situation and make a decision quickly and confidently.