20 Mar 2024 discipline motivation Changes begin with making a decision. Positive long-term changes depend directly on the steadfastness of decisions. However, it often happens that a person makes a decision to change something, enthusiastically moves in the right direction for several days, but then something happens, and life returns to its usual course. Mechanics of Decision Devaluation The reason for such failures lies in a psychological phenomenon known as 'devaluation', when a previously important decision (consciously made) is now being questioned. As a result, the fundamental arguments in favor of the decision begin to lose weight. All this is done through rigid mental constructs. How to Stop Devaluing Your Decisions If you have experienced that kind of things and want to stop it, there are several ways to add "equity" to your decisions and protect them from "suckouts". Add "equity" to your decisions and protect them from "suckouts" 1. Observe Your Thinking You can track certain habitual mental constructs that prompt you to reconsider previously made decisions. By learning to recognize the onset of this process, you will immediately understand that 'something undesirable is happening'. 2. Counter-arguments On the day of making a decision, come up with counterarguments to typical devaluation methods you use. View this as a battle between two aspects of your personality: the old one striving to prevail, being stronger and more experienced, so make sure to arm and strengthen the other one. 3. List Positive Results On the day of making a decision, write down as many positive outcomes as possible that will result from the changes. This will also be a way to neutralize devaluation. 4. Commitment Strategy If the decision made does not have an obvious negative impact on you, and you still want to revoke it — promise yourself in advance that in such a case, you will continue to follow the previously made decision for a few more days. Perhaps you will change your mind. 5. Find Positives A good exercise to neutralize decision devaluation is to find several positives in things that you dislike. Once you feel that you don't like something, immediately identify positives in it. Ideally, this could become a habit for you. By implementing these techniques, you can bolster your determination, increase the resilience of your decisions, and pave the way for long-term personal growth and transformation. Have you ever made a decision and then revoked it after some time? Share in the comments!
