Getting Unstuck: Long and Short-Term Decision-Making Tools

Most students will feel stuck at some point during the educational process. Whether it's related to academic decisions, career choices, or personal life, many individuals find themselves at a crossroads, overwhelmed by the complexity of decision-making. 

The causes of being stuck can vary greatly – from scheduling and time management to bearing the burden of stresses and past traumas. Students may recognize that they are stuck, but amid the challenge, they find little to do to alleviate the immediate pressures and frustrations. 

Decision-making and being torn between competing decisions can exacerbate the feeling. Often, the best course of action is to decide and move forward. A great way to think about moving forward is to incorporate an opportunity for honest self-reflection and self-evaluation. Below are two helpful tools to better know yourself and help to manage your expectations and energy. 

Long-Term Solution: Discovering Your IKIGAI

What is IKIGAI?

When the more significant issue in resolving decisions lies beneath questions like "What is my purpose?" and "What do I want to do with my life?" a tool like IKIGAI can offer clarity. IKIGAI is a Japanese concept that translates to "a reason for being" or "a reason to wake up in the morning." It's a powerful framework to help you discover your purpose and meaning in life.

How to Use IKIGAI for Decision-Making:

Find Your Passion:

Start by identifying what you're passionate about. What activities or interests make you truly come alive?

Determine Your Strengths:

Assess your strengths and talents. What are you naturally good at, and what skills have you developed?

Consider What the World Needs:

Explore what the world needs. How can you contribute to the betterment of society or help others meaningfully?

Evaluate What You Can Be Paid For: 

Evaluate potential career options or opportunities that align with your passion and strengths.

The Intersection:

The sweet spot in the center of these four elements is your IKIGAI. Your passion, strengths, societal needs, and financial viability intersect.

Why IKIGAI Works:

IKIGAI provides a holistic approach to decision-making, considering what you love, what the world needs, and what can sustain you financially. It fosters a sense of purpose and meaning, which can help you stay motivated and focused, even during challenging times. It enables you to create a clear vision for your long-term goals, making choices that align with your true self easier.

Short-Term Solution: The Eisenhower Matrix

What is the Eisenhower Matrix?

Consider using a tool like The Eisenhower Matrix when shorter-term stresses and the inability to execute decisions are the culprits. This time management and prioritization tool helps you determine the importance and urgency of tasks.

How to Use the Eisenhower Matrix for Decision-Making:

Quadrant 1 (Urgent and Important):

Tasks in this quadrant are both urgent and important. Deal with them immediately. These are often deadlines, emergencies, or crucial responsibilities.

Quadrant 2 (Important but Not Urgent): 

These tasks are important for long-term goals but don't require immediate attention—schedule time to focus on them.

Quadrant 3 (Urgent but Not Important): 

Tasks in this quadrant are urgent but contribute little to your goals. Delegate or find ways to minimize these.

Quadrant 4 (Not Urgent and Not Important):

These tasks should be minimized or eliminated. They are time-wasters that don't contribute to your success.

Why the Eisenhower Matrix Works:

It helps you clarify priorities and ensure you spend time on tasks that truly matter. Distinguishing between urgency and importance allows you to make more informed decisions about allocating your time. It reduces stress by preventing procrastination and promoting efficient use of your resources.

When you're feeling stuck in the whirlwind of life's choices, it's crucial to have a roadmap to guide your decisions. IKIGAI and the Eisenhower Matrix are invaluable tools for different aspects of your decision-making journey. To effectively integrate these matrices into your life, consider setting aside dedicated reflection time to revisit and assess your choices, goals, and priorities. 

If you would like an opportunity to sit down with another person who can help you walk through using these tools or help point you toward other available student support resources that GGU has to offer, schedule an appointment with the Office of Accessible Education.