Decisions, decisions, decisions. An opportunity knocks and you don't know whether to take it, maybe you have conflicting job offers or you've been invited to live oversees. Your life as a creative professional will encounter a range of difficult decisions, and, no matter how much advice you seek (from your cab driver, mum or professor at university) only YOU can decide what is right for you.
Life straight after graduation can be a constant state of flux, job descriptions change daily, career goals change as often as the tide turns and although you can find some solace in knowing you are young and have time to make your big decisions, taking them seriously is most definitely a step in the right direction.
Evaluating opportunities analytically, logically, emotionally and creatively can help you to avoid having future regrets. As you work through these methods you will come to a decision that you feel at peace about, feel excited about and have a more defined direction of what it is you want to pursue.
Lake McKenzie, Fraser Island - Photo by Maya Weidner for Lady Pink Creative
Method One: Force Field Analysis
- Write your option in the centre of a diagram (circle, square, triangle, rectangle)
- On the left write down the Driving Forces or Forces for change
- Draw arrows in size and relative proportion to the pressure you feel about the Driving the change
- On the right hand side write down all the Restraining Forces or Forces against the change
- Draw arrows as above in step 3 in relation to your Restraining Forces of Restraining against the change
- Sit back and assess the diagram. Do either forces outweigh the other force overall? Is there one force that dominates the decision?
- Create a diagram for each option that you have
- Look at all your diagrams in relation to one another and
- Make your decision and if it still doesn't feel right re-evaluate or try methods 2 or 3.
On the left you will see the positive driving forces of working on your own business. The right hand side argues the positive driving forces for staying in your old job such as security.
Image by Lady Pink Creative to illustrate an example of Force Field Analysis
Method Two: D.E.C.I.D.E.S Model
D. Define the problem (What are you trying to solve?)
E. Establish the criteria (What is your plan of action to overcome your dilemma?)
C. Consider all alternatives (clarify underlying values and interests, what factors affect your decision?)
I. Identify the best alternatives that you are making your decision between (what are your options?)
D. Discover and decide what the probable outcome of each alternative is (what would be the result of taking each option?)
E. Eliminate alternatives systematically (which ones don't sit right with you and what is left?)
S. Set actions to make the changes necessary
For further reading on how to implement the D.E.C.I.D.E.S model visit Harvard University - Career Service
Method Three: Visualisation
Visualisation is ideal for those who like to reflect on their ideas and goals. Used in combination with the previous two methods it can be a powerful activity to help find direction.
For example:
Find your Dilemma: Should I stay unemployed until I find my dream career job or should I find a day job and pursue my dreams after hours?
Visualisation Pointers:
- Fix your mindset - consciously train your brain to think positively and affirmatively
- Think long term - visualise where you want to be in 5, 10 or 15 years time. Does the decision really affect the big picture? Could both paths take you to the same future goals?
- Look at your dream board, a magazine page or photo of something you want in your life - actively visualise it and feel good and happy about it coming into your life. Think of the details, what is the weather like, what can you smell? Is there coffee brewing? What kind of background noise can you hear in your scene? Are children playing? Are birds singing? Is it hot, or cold where you are? Really delve into your vision and live it.
- Write it down - sometimes it really helps to have your vision or goals written in a journal. Perhaps try creating a collage with old photos, or create a Career Pinterest board found - here.
- Remind yourself to slooooowwwww dooowwwnnn - rid yourself of distractions such as your TV and mobile phone and really relax, feel good and daydream about your decision. Feel what it would feel like to choose one decision. What does it look like?Then do it with your alternative idea and see which one you come out feeling better about.
I would love to hear from you in the comments about how you work through tough career and life decisions? What do you find the most helpful and what strategies would you share with us about finding your ideal answer and feeling excited and at peace about it?
