Talane’s Blog of the Week, September 17, 2007

Use the Joy Filter for Decision Making

I often have clients ask me whether or not they should do a specific thing. I can usually tell right away just by the tone of their voice whether they should proceed down a particular path or not. If they sound heavy or burdened, then it is a “should” goal –something they think they have to do but don’t really want to—like lose weight or go to law school. On the other hand, if they sound really excited about the prospect or project, then I urge them forward. More often than not, we regret the things we didn’t do and not the things that we did accomplish. So even if you do a thing and it doesn’t work out as you had hoped or expected, at least you did it and got it out of your system and can move on to other things in life without some what if I had only thought lurking behind. It is far better to err on the side of doing things than it is to sit on the sidelines wondering what your life would be like if you had.

Sometimes if both choices or paths sound equally attractive, then I ask a client to get a coin and flip it. If it lands on heads and they groan, then I know they really want tails and suggest they go for that option instead. If you flip a coin and then say, Oh, I wish it were…then you have your answer.

But the best way to know if you are on the right track in life is to use the joy filter for decision-making. Does something give you joy? I have a client who is starting a new business and has just enrolled in the requisite training course that she’ll need. It is a big financial investment and that worries her to some extent, but whenever she does anything related to this new business, she is so excited and so happy. I have no doubts whatsoever that she is on the right path and that she will never regret a penny spent on this new venture.

When you are doing what you love to do, it lights you up and makes you feel happy, alive and excited, you are definitely on the right path. And the universe will light the way for you. Like attracts like, so more good things and opportunities will come your way. This doesn’t mean there won’t be roadblocks or stumbles and that everything will be perfect. I’ve never known anyone start a business without numerous ups and downs, but you’ll be fine.

This week, follow your heart. Do at least one thing that gives you joy. When you radiate joy and happiness, you’ll attract more good things your way.

Warmest,
Talane Miedaner
Master Certified Coach
Author of the international bestselling book, Coach Yourself to Success and the audio program, Irresistible Attraction™ both available at www.lifecoach.com