Making a big life decision could be more simple than you think.
Society teaches us ‘quitters never win and winners never quit,’ but in reality a study suggests we would all be better off if we did more quitting.
The study looked at big, midlife pivots - quitting the current life path: “Should I quit my job?” “Should I move?” or “Should I leave?”
Instead of following the typical paths of reaching big decisions – talking to friends and family, listing out the pros and cons, losing sleep, overthinking - the decision was made by a toin coss.
Those who stuck to it were then sent two surveys following these decisions – one at the two-month mark and one at the six-month mark.
Not quit
At two months, people felt good about the status quo - not making whatever change in their life that was eating them up.
But at the six-month mark, that changed – most people wished they had made the change the coin gave them.
Toin Coss Quit
People who lived by the coin toss to make a change, particularly for big decisions like getting a divorce or quitting a job, they reported being happier at both the two-month and six-month marks.
As well as being happier they said they would have made the same decision again.
So if happiness comes down to chance - what's happening?
As we tell all the people we work with - 'action is the antidote to anxiety'. Not doing anything - or just doing the same thing - does not serve you. (unless you're super zen - but then, you wouldn't be reading this)
Most of the emotional pain is from deciding to make the decision itself.
The results, the study says, suggests a “substantial bias” against making changes when it comes to significant life decisions. You're going to get in your own way. Most people tend to be extremely cautious, overplay the downside and 99% of the time won't make a change.
By just taking action you feel better. The biggest regret is always the decision you didn't make.
I can tell you with 100% clarity - the life you seek is on the other side of the decision you are not makng.
The fact is you just have to make it.
So tossing a coin is a more effective way to make it, because whenever you cannot decide what you should do, choose the action that represents a change, rather than continuing the status quo.
Dare you?
Reply and let me know.
Richard
PS if you're in the midllife pivot we can help.
Perhaps toss a coin and see if you're ready. If yes, fill out this form and take action.
In doing so you'll receive $297 value:
- Retirement Plan B Guide
- The 4th Turning webinar (why the world is so crazy and what you can do about it)
- $100 off our AI Implementation workshop
- Early access to the 90 Day Edit programme