How I Make Strong Decisions in Life: From Chaos to Confidence
Vivi
5/8/20243 min read
Life can feel like a never-ending roller coaster, filled with twists, turns, and moments that leave you gasping for air. But even in the midst of the chaos, there's a way to make decisions with confidence. In this post, I'll share the valuable lesson my mom taught me at a young age, along with some practical tips I've learned throughout my life, that will help you navigate life's uncertainties and make strong decisions.
A Lesson Learned at 9 Years Old
When I was just 9 years old, living with a single mom in the Philippines, I learned a powerful lesson. My mom, who worked far away, instilled in me the importance of quick thinking and decisive action. She taught me that when faced with a challenge, I should consider all possible solutions quickly, choose the one that feels right in my gut, and trust that it will be the best decision at that moment.
This lesson came in handy one day when I was making soup. A pot of boiling soup spilled all over my face, and my first instinct was to grab ice and cool the burn. Thankfully, my quick thinking prevented a serious injury.
From Condo Dreams to Family Chaos
Fast forward to adulthood, the same lesson helped me overcome my fear of making the wrong decision. When my husband and I, with no savings, decided to buy a condo, doubt crept in. But I remembered my mom's words and we took the leap. We leveraged my husband's expertise and negotiated a deal with the developer, overcoming our initial anxieties.
Years later, when we were about to welcome our first child, we faced another challenge. We encountered a last-minute hurdle during our house purchase. The builder made a mistake, jeopardizing the deal. But we didn't give up. We pushed through, found another lawyer, and closed the deal on our dream house. This experience highlighted the importance of perseverance and resourcefulness.
Making Decisions Through Dark Times
Life isn't always sunshine and rainbows. There are times when darkness prevails. When I was struggling with PMDD, our family dynamic went awry. To navigate this difficult time, I knew I had to be the anchor for my family. I focused on managing my emotions and supporting my husband, even when it felt incredibly challenging. This taught me the power of resilience and the importance of working together as a team.
Family, Forgiveness, and Finding Strength
Another defining moment came when I decided to visit my mother, who was battling dementia, despite my anxieties. This trip emphasized the importance of family and cherishing our loved ones. It also showed me the strength that comes from listening to those who care about us.
In a previous video, I discussed a family conflict where my husband was unfairly judged. This experience highlighted the complexities of family dynamics and cultural expectations. It also forced us to prioritize our well-being and set boundaries. While it was difficult, we eventually rebuilt our relationship with my relatives.
Life's a Journey, Make the Most of It
Life throws curveballs, but you have the strength and wisdom to navigate them. Here are some key takeaways to help you make strong decisions:
Trust your gut: When faced with a choice, listen to your intuition. It's often a powerful guide.
Gather information: Don't be afraid to do your research and ask questions. Knowledge is empowering.
Don't overthink it: Sometimes, overthinking can lead to paralysis. Make a decision, learn from it, and move forward.
Embrace the unexpected: Be open to new possibilities and don't be afraid to take calculated risks.
Prioritize your well-being: Take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. You can't make good decisions if you're depleted.
Find strength in your loved ones: Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift and encourage you.
Forgive and move forward: Holding onto grudges only weighs you down. Let go and create space for positive experiences.
Remember, you are capable of making strong decisions that will lead you to a happier and more fulfilled life. So, embrace the ride, trust yourself, and don't be afraid to zig when everyone else zags. And if you have any decision-making triumphs or hilarious fails to share, leave a comment below! Let's navigate life's chaos together.
