We’ve all been there—stuck at a crossroads, unsure of what to do, and feeling the weight of making a decision that could change everything. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, How do I make a good decision in life? you’re in the right place. Because today, we’re diving into the 7 steps to making good decisions that are aligned with your soul. ✨
I’ve been there myself, feeling stuck in my career, knowing I needed to make a change but terrified of taking the leap. Spoiler alert: I followed my soul’s calling, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
So, if you’re ready to get unstuck and make decisions that feel good, let’s dive in.
You can also listen to this article on my podcast:
7 Soul-Aligned Steps to Make Good Decisions
Step 1: Rip Off the Band-Aid: Make Good Decisions Fast
The first thing you need to do? Make the decision. I know, I know, easier said than done. But hanging out in indecision? It’s draining, both mentally and emotionally. So here’s the deal—you’ve got to rip the Band-Aid off and just decide.
Why making decisions from fear won’t work
When we make decisions out of fear, we’re navigating through life with blinders on. Fear makes you focus on the worst possible outcomes, and it’s like looking at life through a tiny keyhole—you miss the bigger picture. Decisions made from fear are all about survival, but they won’t help you thrive. Your dreams, your joy, and the life you really want? You’re putting them on the back burner when fear takes the wheel.
When I was deciding whether to tell my company about my transition into coaching, I was paralyzed with fear. What if I got fired? What if I failed? But I knew staying quiet wasn’t authentic. I had to choose a path, and that decision alone brought me so much clarity and relief.
Decision mastery tipp: Make your decision from a place of expansion, not fear. When you decide based on fear, you’re limiting yourself to survival mode. Ask yourself: What would my highest self do?
Step 2: Breathe Easy: Grace Leads to Better Decisions
Once you’ve made the decision, don’t expect all the emotions to just disappear. In fact, you might feel more overwhelmed than ever. And guess what? That’s totally okay. Big decisions are emotionally charged, so give yourself space to breathe. 🧘♀️
I remember when I finally decided to leave my corporate job, I felt emotionally drained. I literally binge-watched Netflix and ate snacks for a night because I needed to just be. Give yourself permission to rest and reset.
How Human Design Can Help You Make Better Decisions
If you’re not familiar with Human Design, it’s like a cosmic user manual for your life. One aspect is your Inner Authority, which helps you make decisions aligned with your true self. For example, my authority is self-projected, meaning I need to talk things out. I used walk-and-talk sessions with friends and even recorded myself on walks to get clarity on my decision. Other types, like sacral authorities, rely on gut feelings to make decisions. Here you can find out your Human Design.
Why it works: This grace period lets your nervous system calm down and recharge, so you can approach the next steps with clarity. Also, knowing your Human Design authority can help you make decisions with more ease.
Step 3: Face the Feels—Don’t Stuff Them Down
Making a good decision in life doesn’t mean you won’t feel anxious, doubtful, or even scared afterward. Those emotions are part of the process. Instead of ignoring them, I want you to face them head-on.
How to release emotions
Think of your emotions like small children. They just want your attention. If you ignore them, they’ll act out and get louder. But when you turn toward them with love and acknowledgment, they calm down. After deciding to leave my job, I had all these fears around financial stability. But when I sat with those fears and gave them space, they lost their power over me.
The power of flipping the script on the “what-ifs”
We all know those what-if scenarios that keep us awake at night. What if I fail? What if everything goes wrong? But here’s what I want you to do: flip the script. For every negative what-if, counter it with a positive one. What if this turns out better than I ever imagined? What if I thrive? What if this is the best decision I’ve ever made? This shift in mindset is everything.
Pro tip: When fear or doubt shows up, give them a seat at the table, but don’t let them drive. Acknowledge them, thank them, and then move on.
Step 4: Flip the Script: Visualize Your Best Life
Here’s where we flip the script. You’ve faced your fears, but now it’s time to focus on the best possible outcome. What does your dream life look like after making this decision? Visualizing success helps rewire your brain to expect good things. 🌟
Why your brain looks for the bad
Your brain is wired to focus on the negative because it’s trying to protect you from harm. It’s a survival mechanism. But here’s the cool part: when you visualize the best possible outcome, you create new neural pathways in your brain. You’re literally rewiring your brain to look for the positive.
When I was transitioning into coaching, I spent time visualizing what my life would look like—having peaceful mornings, working with clients I love, and doing work that felt truly aligned with my soul. That vision kept me going when doubts crept in.
Here’s your homework: Close your eyes and imagine the best possible outcome of your decision. What does your day look like? What are you doing? Who are you with? The clearer you can get, the more energy you’ll have to make that vision your reality.
Step 5: Phone a Friend (Or a Coach!) – Avoid Bad Advice
Making good decisions in life doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is talk it out with someone you trust. Whether it’s a friend, mentor, or coach, having someone who can hold space for you without projecting their own fears is crucial.
How friends can make it worse (and why coaching is safer)
Be careful who you talk to. Sometimes, well-meaning friends can project their own fears onto you, which only adds more anxiety and doubt. I’ve experienced this firsthand. A friend’s doubts about my decision made me second-guess everything! That’s why coaching can be such a powerful option. A coach doesn’t project their fears onto you—they create a safe space for you to explore your own thoughts and decisions.
Pro tip: If you don’t have a trusted friend who can hold space for you, consider working with a coach. Having someone who’s objective and supportive can be a game-changer.
Step 6: Dance It Out: Embody Your Decision
Now that you’ve made the decision, it’s time to feel it in your body. Here’s the thing: making a decision isn’t just a mental process. Your body needs to catch up to what your mind has already decided.
For me, movement helps. I love to put on some music and just dance it out. It helps me embody my decision and create a sense of alignment between my body and mind. When you embody your decision, you’re telling your entire being, “Yes, this is the path we’re on.”
Pro tip: Try a quick embodiment practice. Put on your favorite song, and let your body move however it wants. This will help ground you in your decision and release any lingering tension.
Step 7: Shake Off Stress: Release Anxiety for Clarity
Let’s be real—anxiety is going to show up after a big decision, especially if it’s life-changing. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to let anxiety control you. It’s totally normal, but you have tools to release it.
How to release anxious or restless energy
Here are some of the practices I use to shake off anxiety:
- Shake it out: Stand up and literally shake your whole body like you’re shaking off water.
- Empowering walks: Get out into nature and let the rhythm of your steps calm your mind.
- Havening: Use soothing strokes on your arms or face to calm your nervous system.
- Listening to empowering content: Revisit old podcasts, coaching sessions, or voice notes from friends that uplift you.
Also, a little note: Meditation doesn’t work for me. It actually makes me more anxious. I’m sharing this to show that not all practices work for everyone, and that’s okay. I encourage you to try out different methods and see what works for you. Test it out, or get help from someone who can guide you.
Pro tip: Find a quick go-to practice for when anxiety shows up. Whether it’s shaking out your body, deep breathing, or going for a walk, these small actions will help you stay grounded.
7 Steps Recap: Your Go-To Guide for Making Good Decisions in Life
Let’s do a quick recap of the steps for making good decisions in life:
- Make the Decision: Rip the Band-Aid off and choose from expansion, not fear.
- Give Yourself Grace: Take time to rest and reset after the decision. Know your Human Design Authority to guide you.
- Face Your Feelings: Don’t push emotions down. Acknowledge them and flip the script on those what-ifs.
- Visualize Your Dream Outcome: Picture the best possible outcome and rewire your brain to focus on the good.
- Get Support: Be mindful of who you talk to. Friends may project fears; coaching offers a safer, non-judgmental space.
- Embody Your Decision: Use movement or embodiment practices to align your body with your decision.
- Release Anxiety: Find tools that work for you—whether it’s shaking out tension or taking a walk, choose what calms your body.
Journal Time! Reflection Exercise for Soul-Aligned Decision Making
I want to leave you with a quick reflection exercise to help you apply these steps to your life. Grab your journal, and answer these questions:
- What decision am I avoiding right now?
- What would my highest self do in this situation?
- How can I embody this decision today?
Take your time, let your soul speak through your words, and trust that you already have the answers within you. 💫
Final Thoughts
Making good decisions in life isn’t about perfection; it’s about trusting your inner wisdom and taking that leap toward the life you truly deserve. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment or the “perfect” choice—trust that your soul already knows the way. By following these 7 steps, you’re not only making decisions that are true to you, but you’re also creating a life that lights you up.
So here’s one last piece of advice: be bold, be brave, and always choose what expands you. You’ve got this, beautiful soul. 💫
If you’re facing a tough decision or you are ready to step into your highest timeline by claiming your purpose, I’d love to help you on that journey. Feel free to reach out for a free discovery call, and let’s explore your next chapter together.