Episode 133: Why You Need a Decision-Making Framework

Just One Simple Thing

The number one issue I hear from writers and other Christian communicators is they have too many ideas and never know for sure if they are working on the right things. If that sounds like you, listen in to Episode 133 of Just One Simple Thing as you’ll learn how a decision-making framework can help.
Hello, friends! If you are listening in real time in late summer, 2024, you might know that I have been on my regular summer break. I’m glad to be back. I didn’t do anything super exciting over the summer … busy at my full-time job and hanging out with my family and friends.
Many of you went to one of the amazing writers' conferences that happen over months when school is out. Whether it was your first time, or you are a conference veteran, the days and weeks afterwards can be hard. You are pumped up and excited about all the possibilities. But you are also overwhelmed by…. all the possibilities.
Even if you didn’t go to a conference, I bet you still have a tornado of ideas swirling around in your head.
Over the years, I’ve developed some strategies to sort through all the ideas and decide what is for now, what is next, and what is not yet.
It all starts with a decision-making framework.
What is a decision-making framework? It’s a set of criteria and a systematic way of evaluating options, filtering the million ideas floating around in your head.
Let’s look at some of reasons why you need a framework.

1. To make decisions at all. A decision-making framework can overcome that overwhelm … it helps you step back and gives you a basis for making sound plans.
2. To make better decisions. When we are making decisions from a place of overwhelm and stress, we usually make bad decisions. The framework takes away some of that bias and emotion because it is an objective evaluation based on specific criteria.
3. To stop second guessing. When you’ve made an objective decision or prioritized your ideas based on a repeatable framework, you’ll be able to move forward with confidence, and close the door on that second guessing.

You invested a lot to go to that conference, and you don’t want that investment to go to waste. In his second epistle, John gives us a warning: “Be careful that you don’t destroy what we’ve worked for, but that you receive your full reward.” Don’t let decision paralysis destroy all of the great ideas the Lord has given you.
Action Step
Gather up some ideas that you have been considering - maybe it is a long list of things you learned at a conference, or that never-ending stream of brilliant ideas that overwhelm you. Then join me back here for the next episode when I’ll teach you how to create your own decision-making framework.
If you went to a conference, be sure to send this episode to the friends you made there. If you are overwhelmed, I bet they are too.
RESOURCES
Now, Next, Not Yet: A Framework for Setting Priorities that Stick – Join me for this free workshop where I’ll share my own framework and how I use it.
Join our community in the free Facebook Group Plan & Play with Do A New Thing for support, encouragement, and follow up on your action steps.

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