Working Through Options
Scott Miker
In life, we are faced with a plethora of choices, both big and small. However, it is easy to fall into the trap of accepting the default option, often out of fear of making the wrong decision. This can lead to feelings of stress and unhappiness, as well as a sense of being a victim of circumstance.
But the truth is, when we avoid making deliberate choices, we are still accountable for the outcome. The default option may seem like the easy path, but it also means settling for whatever is left over. Those who are willing to actively choose and strive for something are the ones who get the first pick.
To break free from this cycle, it is important to understand that life is not a binary choice between a perfect path and a flawed path. In reality, all options come with their own set of flaws. Instead of searching for the perfect solution, we must learn to choose between a variety of flawed options.
This mindset shift can be applied to both personal and professional situations. In a business context, for example, a team may spend hours discussing the pros and cons of different options, only to realize that there is no perfect solution. Instead of continuing to brainstorm, it becomes necessary to make a decision, despite the flaws.
I refer to this as choosing between a bunch of bad options. I’ve used this phrase numerous times in work settings when our leadership team was stuck on a problem. As soon as this phrase gets uttered awareness spreads. We all realize what we need to do, make a decision.
By taking this approach, we gain control over our direction and are able to make decisions with a clear understanding of the potential consequences. It also allows us to hold ourselves accountable and take responsibility for our choices.
The key to making successful choices in life is to stop searching for perfection and to start living in reality. We must learn to make deliberate choices, even when they are not ideal, and take control of the direction in life. By doing so, we will gain more value and control than by constantly settling for the default option.