Abraham-Gerard Meyer, Ph.D.’s Post

- 4 Steps To Better Decision Making: The MINDFULCHOICE™ Four Stages Approach.   We've all got #choices, but how mindful are we of those choices?    Some problems are overt, and others aren't. Whatever the case, there is always a path to better decision-making. Below are four practical steps to take.   Recognition Recognizing one's sense of control over their lives and expectations is a healthy step to better decision-making. Recognition involves full attentiveness and the absence of impulsivity. One must be alert and prepared to confront any circumstances and not be distracted by ''noise"- any unwanted stimuli that impinge on our full attention and divert us to peripheral issues.   Awareness In this step, you #focus your attention and think mindfully about the situation, about the choices you can make, about your capabilities and state of mind, and about the consequences that may ensue from each choice you make. #Awareness gives you insights and knowledge of all your intrusive thoughts.   Choice When making a MindFulChoice™ decision, you should always be exploring binary choices. Binary choices are choices that have two options - either/or. Examples of binary choices are; You can sit or stand, stay or go, do or do not. Biases, a negative outlook, impulsivity, or inattention can convince you that you only have one option. Such conceptions mislead you into simply reacting or skipping the first two steps of the process. Each of your choices gives your life meaning. Be conscious of your choices always.   Self-Assessment  Self-assessment isn't only about evaluating how well your choice worked out, but it also encourages growth. When you make any individual choice, many elements come into play. Such as assumptions, preferences, and consequences. Whichever way we choose to look at it, most of our options are a product of our presumptions, predispositions and the outcomes are the consequences we face. In the real world, unexpected things happen that don't necessarily have anything to do with how good our choice was, and it still affects outcomes just the same. Self-assessment is a powerful tool for making better choices and building metacognition.   What is MindFulChoice™?   MindFulChoice™ is a new psychological approach to making positive changes by focusing on a person's decision-making styles. MindFulChoice™ is also used to prepare a person for therapy, a therapy method, or even as a self-help method. Rather than trying to achieve insight or solve one's underlying issues, we concentrate on helping a person reach their optimal level of functioning.   Do you want to learn a better way to think? Join the Mental Wellness Society today!