Tips on Effective Decision Making and Goal Setting
It is normal to sometimes feel stuck or overwhelmed when faced with a decision, especially in times of
transition. Barriers to making a decision can include:
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Inadequate self-exploration and assessment
Inadequate exploration of career options
Excessive researching and compiling of information, without a framework to sort
through the information
Being afraid to make “the wrong choice” thus making no choices at all
The order and style of making a decision can vary greatly depending on the person and situation;
however, it can be helpful to organize the process according to the following steps:
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Identify the decision to be made: Is there actually more than one decision on the table?
Know Yourself: Identifying and prioritizing your values is especially important.
Develop options and alternatives: Get help brainstorming and expanding possibilities.
Gather relevant information and data: What information are you missing? Do research
through the internet, by talking to people, and getting hands-on experience.
Evaluate options: List pros and cons, identify risks and possible consequences (both positive
and negative), and assess how the options match your values.
Select an option and design a course of action to implement the decision: Effective goal
setting is essential to move from intention to action.
SMART Goals: Creating an action plan that breaks long-term goals into SMART short-term goals and
tasks will greatly increase your likelihood of being successful. SMART stands for:
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Specific: Goals should be focused and unambiguous. They should answer all the “W” questions:
Who, What, Where, When and Why?
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Measureable: Quantify your tasks. How will you know when you are successful?
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Attainable: Clearly separate what tasks you control, and those which rely on chance or help
from others. Taking small but consistent steps will help you reach lofty goals.
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Relevant: Do your research. Are you focusing on the most effective methods?
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Time-bound: Identify or set a deadline or time-frame for a particular task.