When you’re in it you just don’t see it!

I’m reviewing past decisions in business and my eyes are opened to the mistakes I’ve made. One would think that the Gift of Free Will to Human beings was wise. I sometimes wonder! We are so easily influenced and not always by outside factors. Yes! We all make mistakes. Some more than others!

Of course we all want to make the right decisions, in life and in business, yet we don’t always get it right, do we? Often we do know best, but when it comes to deciding we hesitate, second guess ourselves and make the wrong decisions. There are factors that distract us, influence us or sway our decisions and are ultimately counter-productive when making changes.

Three “internal” factors that have a negative effect on the interpretation of presented opportunities and that may misdirect decisions.

1. Desperation: The need to hang onto something for sake of survival. Believing that there are no other opportunities available to you, and that the single opportunity may be the last.

2. Too Eager/Pleasing: Willingness to work harder than expected for far less pay to prove your worthiness of an opportunity. Believing or showing that you are not worthy of a privilege or opportunity. “Wanting to prove yourself” worthy of an opportunity. Accepting someone else’s needs over your own.

3. Ambition: Driven by ambition. The dream of something bigger than the norm. Seeking purpose and impact without measuring the likelihood or reality of it happening. Missing your goal to prove a point. Desiring an impact that has nothing to do with your personal goals. Need for bigger purpose.

All of the above speak to your state of self-confidence and self-worth. These three factors distort your perspective and may impact your decisions:

• Prevent you from exploring better other alternatives
• Prevent you from negotiating higher or better for yourself
• Prevent you from reaching your true goals

Heather Veldhuis               Business Coach                heather@buzzgroup.co.za         C:0836250316