Decision making is the ability to make a firm resolution in an objective manner, without being pressured by the emotions that may be prevalent at that point of time.

However, since our brains are wired to be more reactionary under stress, this means in tough moments as a reflex action we resort to binary choice-making, thereby limiting the options available.

As a result, when making a high-stake decision, we either follow what strikes us first or we suffer from analysis paralysis to reach for a premature conclusion, rather than opening out to better options.

For an idea on how to respond to such unexpected situations that require an immediate resolution, check out the following five suggestions to help you find your optimal choice.

1 . Clear your mind

In order to gain clarity, it is important to calm your mind in order to make critical decisions that may impact your organization. For instance, if your customer base has dipped, offer transparent pricing and promotions in making the purchase decision easier for them.

Doing so with a clear mind will allow you to make the best choice and minimize unnecessary risk. Before taking action, visualize the outcome that your decision may have and afterwards take out time to pause.

2. Avoid making fear-based decisions

Decisions based on fear will always end with some negative consequences as they disempower and drain the energy from the body. 

If you feel you have opted for an extra assignment as your employer thinks that you don’t work hard enough, either choose to take on the task as an opportunity for growth or reject it to give more time to the projects in hand. 

Saying “ have to do this” will simply take away your own power to make a decision.

3. Evaluate different alternatives

Once you have the alternatives, take your decision making to the next level by using the various tools and techniques like SWOT analysis, brainstorming or decision matrices to compare the pros and cons.

You should also consider the values and objectives that guide you to your decision making process, evaluate the expected outcomes, risks, of each alternative and how they align with your goals, ethics and standards.

4. Manage stress

Making decisions under pressure can be stressful,  frustratingand overwhelming. In addition you may have to face criticism from others, apart from conflict and resistance.

Hence it is vital to manage stress levels to control your emotions and stress in an effective way. Try strategies like deep breathing, yoga, exercise or meditation to cope with the pressure.

You should also rest and eat well to take care of your physical and mental health by sleeping well, eating well and seeking professional support whenever necessary.

5. Be kind to yourself 

The capability of making smart decisions, even under pressure, is a valuable asset that must be developed and also needs to be maintained.

By acknowledging the fact that decision making is indeed challenging, you can treat yourself with a bit of compassion and offer help to a friend in a similar situation.

This offers an exciting opportunity and only you can tell if you have used your instinct to make the right decision.

Final thoughts 

Studies of the human decision making process have aptly demonstrated that stress exacerbates risk-taking and impacts decision quality.

However, since such managerial decisions that do involve an element of stress, can be mitigated by use of various aids.

By applying effective strategies to manage stress, we can easily get a grip on how to tackle and navigate past even the most challenging situations.