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Decisions. Those points in time that define your life. We are all the product of the decisions you make. For sure. Analyzing, rationalizing facts, weighing the pluses and minuses. The intellectual necessities. Essential. I’ve spent a lifetime interviewing candidates for jobs, transitioning professionals through careers, helping people navigate crucial times in their lives. My coaching? When all the information is in. Don’t overdo gathering info. Most who can’t make a decision always seek more information. Only to confuse themselves.
My advise? After you’ve weighed all the facts … maybe talked to confidants, colleagues, about the decision before you? Good.
Now … sit back, maybe with a glass of wine … a little soothing music. Relax and ask yourself… “How do I feel~~ in my ‘gut?'” About the decision I’m about to make? What’s my “gut” instinct here. How might I feel a day, a week later? After I’ve made my decision.
I’ve found the best decisions I’ve made in my life have been as much matters of the “heart” as they are the “head.” Some rely entirely on facts. OK… I get that. Decisions must focus importantly on the facts. But in my view… “heart” trumps “head” almost every time? What your “gut” tells you is defining. Here’s the best way for me to illustrate what I mean by “gut” feel. A brief story that should open your heart to what I talking about here …
Here’s … “The Kid”
The Kid was Columbia’s third string running back. On the bench for every game. Always returned to his locker after each game … uniform clean. He never played. Then one day … it’s the Princeton game! For the Ivy League Championship. Both first string running backs go down with injuries in the first quarter. Oh oh. Sitin’ on the bench … there’s the Kid. The Coach, reluctantly takes a deep breath. Looks over and sighs, “Ok, kid, you’re going in. The Kid scores two touchdowns before halftime, catches the winning pass with 40 seconds left in the game. Columbia beats Princeton 28 to 26. The coach rushes up to his star player, his eyes wide. “Kid!! If I’d known you could play like that, you’d have been starting day one!” What just happened?! The Kid, exhausted, looks up. “Coach, did you ever see me walking across the field arm and arm with my father after practice each day?”
Coach nods curiously. “Well yes, sure. Many times.”
“Well, coach, you see … for most of my life my father was blind. And last week he died. Today was the first game he ever saw me play.
Feel that? That’s “gut” feel. Your heart speaking to you. Not your head. Listen to your heart… when you make those key decisions. Always trust your “gut.” Take the time to ponder, reflect before acting.
3 Comments
Love the r my dog ing
Thanks for sharing Bob. Well, there’s not much left in my head anymore so I have to depend on my heart and gut. But I have always thought of it as instinct. Nature gives it to us but few develop it. Everyone needs to stop, breathe, and listen and if they do the answer will come to you. The bigger question is what you will do with that information! Have a blessed Christmas. Love you guys and we will see you very soon.
Thanks very much for a wonderful reminder, Bob! What a great illustration!