It’s encouraging when I see a client recognize that certain problems are of their own making. One such client refers to these problems as “Sticky Stressful Situations.”

I find it peculiar how you can confidently choose something, whether it’s a vendor, an employee, a job or a direction, and then not long after you’ve experienced this person, place or thing, you begin to notice that it’s not working the way you wanted it to. So now what?

When things don’t go your way, it’s a common reaction to blame “it.” Like the new administrative assistant who doesn’t do it your way or the client who isn’t worth the time you’re investing, no matter how much they are paying you. Whatever the example, you most likely point your frustration at “them,” but it’s really not about them. It’s about your decision-making process!

If problems are showing up in your life, it might help to look at how you make decisions. What you will likely see is that you’re not adequately planning and evaluating, and therefore you make choices that put you in situations that don’t serve your real objectives.

What you need is clarity!

Before you make significant decisions, it’s important to be crystal clear about certain things. Answering these questions will help create that clarity:

1. What is my need? This is about what you want, and how to quantify it.
2. What is motivating my need? This helps you see if it’s ego, self-seeking or a real need.
3. What or who can fulfill it? This helps you evaluate resources and options.
4. What will happen? This helps you determine if the person, place or thing can deliver?
5. What are the expectations for the outcome? This helps you communicate expected results.

If you take time up front to properly plan and evaluate important decisions, you’ll avoid most Sticky Stressful Situations. And the real payoff is that you will save time, money and a lot of heartache.