John Wayne Mullins 
How do you make a BIG Decision?
Have you ever thought about what your saying “yes” to really means and what it could keep you from achieving?
I made a BIG decision last week that could have been one of those turning points in my life…I said no to a “dream job” or what appeared to a shiny dream job. This decision and the process of making it inspired this post because I learned so much about myself and the importance of having the right people in your life who are willing to ask you the tough questions. Such questions like: If you accept this position, where will it take you? Does it line up with your goals and plan? By accepting it, will it bring you closer to your vision or further from it? What do you need for it to be a “hell yes” or a “hell no”? What are you giving up by accepting it? Is it worth it? All of these questions were asked by my coach, which I’m incredibly thankful for. Having a coach in my life has been one of the greatest investments I have made in my professional and personal life. He keeps me focused on where it is I’m going and ensures my yes’ are taking me in the direction I want to be going in. Especially when those shiny objects show up. This job offer I said “no” to made me think a lot about the shiny objects that often show up in our lives and how do you determine if they are the real deal or if they are simply distractions that would keep you from fulfilling your dreams. I think these shiny objects can be tests too, to see how dedicated you are to your goals and dreams you set out to achieve. I don’t think enough people talk about their dreams. But I know my dream and I know what it is I want. This was a shiny object that certainly looked attractive, but if I would have said yes to it, my dream would have had to have taken a back seat for a while because I wouldn’t have been able to give it the time and attention it needs to come to fruition. So here are my five steps I took to make my decision.
1) Pray about it –
if you know anything about me, you know I’m a believer in the power of prayer and that God will always provide the peace and confidence you need to make a decision. I encourage you to recruit others to be in prayer for you as well. Don’t try and make these types of decisions alone.
2) Get all of the facts –
God can’t confirm confusion. So what do you need to make a clear decision? What are the must haves? Make a list and get them answered.
3) 
Seek counsel with someone you trust and who knows you well. Someone who will ask you the tough questions. For me, this was my coach. For you, it may be a pastor, mentor, spouse, or close friend. It has to be someone you’ve given permission to ask you any question without any fear of holding back.
4) Don’t dwell on it – Once you have all of the facts and have looked at all of the pros and cons and if you still don’t have peace on it, it’s not the right time. If you continue to dwell on it or even avoid making the decision, it could keep you from seeing what God has planned for you. It could keep you from seeing the next opportunity which is the right one to take.
5) Don’t let it be a distraction – Make the decision and be 100% focused on what’s before you. Keep growing and pursuing your dreams. You’re going to get distracted even by what appears to be a “dream job”. But by following these steps, they can help you make the right decision.
Hold your image!
If you’re in the middle of making a difficult decision and would like to increase your thinking and are interested in receive a coaching session or see how valuable coaching can be for you or your business, contact me to learn more. I have a few coaching slots open now.
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