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Mindful Decision-Making: Making Choices Aligned with Your Values

Charli Wheeler
2 min readOct 9, 2023

Hey there, decision-makers!

Let’s be real, making decisions isn’t always a walk in the park. From choosing a flavor at the ice cream parlor (why are there so many?!) to deciding on a career path (yikes!), we’re faced with decisions every single day of our lives. But what if I told you there’s a way to make these decisions, big and small, that aligns seamlessly with your values and well-being? Drumroll, please…I present to you: mindful decision-making!

Mindful decision-making is like having a GPS for your life choices, guiding you towards decisions that reflect who you really are and what truly matters to you. It’s not about making the *perfect* decision — if such a thing even exists. Rather, it’s about making thoughtful, intentional choices that resonate with your inner self.

So, how exactly does one make mindful decisions? Well, I’m glad you asked!

Firstly, mindful decision-making involves being present. Yeah, I know, “being present” sounds like something a yoga instructor would say, right? But when you’re making a decision, it means slowing down, stepping away from the chaos of life, and truly focusing on the decision at hand. No distractions, no future-tripping, just being fully engaged with the current moment and the choices it presents.

Next, it’s about listening to your feelings. We often think of decision-making as a purely logical process, but our emotions can provide valuable insights. They’re like your internal barometer, hinting at what’s really important to you. If the thought of a particular choice fills you with dread, that’s worth considering, right?

Lastly, align your choices with your values. Your values are the essence of who you are; they’re your guiding principles. If you value honesty, for example, any decision that goes against this will likely leave you feeling unsettled. On the flip side, decisions that align with your values will feel more authentic and satisfying.

Now, mindful decision-making isn’t some magic wand that makes problems disappear. Life’s complicated, and sometimes there’s no easy answer. But by approaching decisions mindfully, you can navigate these complexities with more clarity and confidence, knowing that your choices reflect your true self.

So, next time you’re stuck between strawberry or vanilla ice cream, or pondering a life-changing choice, remember to take a mindful approach. Be present, listen to your feelings, and align your choices with your values. After all, life’s too short for decisions that don’t jive with who you are!

And who knows? With mindful decision-making, you might just find that the best flavor of ice cream isn’t on the menu — it’s the one that tastes best to you. Now, that’s food for thought!

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