Events! + 16 Ways to Make Better Decisions
I wear many hats in life – a parent, sister, daughter, aunt (my nieces and nephews call me Auntie M!), friend, researcher, landlord, consultant, educator, innovator, entrepreneur, and more. Like you, I find myself making countless micro decisions every day, along with some major, longer term, more strategic decisions on a regular basis. Decision making seems never ending, doesn’t it?
Images from Freepik
Here are 16 tips that help me make sound decisions in both my personal and professional life:
Clearly Define Objectives: Kickstart your decision-making process by setting clear objectives and goals you want to achieve.
Gather the Right Information: Dive into the facts and figures relevant to your decision, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Explore Alternatives: Be open to different options and alternatives, weighing their pros and cons thoughtfully.
Weigh Risks and Benefits: Consider the potential risks and rewards that come with each choice, both in the short and long term.
Engage Stakeholders: Get the perspectives and feedback of those impacted by your decision – it can make all the difference.
Put on Your Thinking Cap: Apply critical thinking skills to analyze information objectively and make rational judgments.
Prioritize Like a Pro: Identify the key factors that matter most in making your decision.
Assess Your Resources: Think about the time, budget, and people available for each option you’re considering.
Seek Expert Advice: When needed, reach out to experts or those experienced in the area you’re navigating.
Test the Waters: Consider using simulations or tests to see potential outcomes before making your final call.
Trust Your Gut: Sometimes, intuition can be a guiding force in decision-making, especially if you’re an expert in the field.
Take Time, Don’t Procrastinate: Give yourself enough time to evaluate the options, but don’t get stuck in the delay loop – progress awaits.
See the Bigger Picture: Think about the long-term implications of your decision and how it aligns with your goals and strategies.
Stay Flexible: Keep an eye on the outcomes of your decision and be ready to adapt based on new information or changing circumstances.
Learn from Experience: Reflect on past decisions, both the successes and the slip-ups, and use those insights to shape your future choices.
Add a Pinch of Humor: While decision-making is a serious business, a sprinkle of humor can lighten the mood, reduce stress, and encourage creativity and communication among stakeholders. Just remember, use it wisely and respectfully.
As I navigate life’s many twists and turns, I hear my Dad’s timeless advice. I can hear his voice right now. He used to say, “Michie, it doesn’t matter what you do, just keep the ball bouncing.”
This meant embrace the idea of continuous movement, regardless. Each choice (and they are choices!), big or small, is like a bounce on the journey of life.
So, as you reflect on the decisions in front of you, I encourage you to keep the ball bouncing too.
Embrace the process, stay curious, and never forget that with each step, you’re growing, learning, and making progress.
Trust your instincts, gather your knowledge, and take that leap with confidence. Know that keeping the ball bouncing leads to a life well-lived.
Happy decision-making! And remember this:
you’ve got this!
Upcoming Ask Like A Pro Cohort and Project Sponsor
The next Ask Like A Pro cohort begins in September! This user research workshop series is for people looking to upskill in UXR, get hands-on experience, work on a sponsored research project with mentorship and guidance at every step of the way, and/or seek learning options for their team or mentees. Want to learn more? Have specific questions? Join us on August 22nd to learn more at our "Is ALAP Right for Me?" event. Details and registration on Eventbrite!
We are thrilled to announce our next Ask Like A Pro's cohort project sponsor is Blurb! Blurb is a fantastic platform to create, print, and sell professional quality books. I've used the platform for years, created and published multiple books, and LOVE IT. We'll be exploring interesting generative and evaluative questions for Blurb in the upcoming September cohort. Welcome Blurb!
Upcoming Events
Expert Series Event: Conducting UX Research at Non-Profits. August 10 from 12:30-2pm PT. Jenn Thom, Director of Qualitative Research at Code for America, will share her own experiences making the transition from industry, provide insight on what hiring managers look for in UXR non-profit roles, and more. 50% of proceeds benefit Code for America. Register on Eventbrite!
Is ALAP Right for Me? August 22 from 5-6:30pm PT. Details and registration on Eventbrite!
Ladies That UX (Washington DC) “Ask Michele Anything” August 23 from 4-5pm PT. Details and registration will be available on Eventbrite soon!
Bitesize UX / Curiosity Tank Card Sort event. August 29 from 3-5pm PT. Register on Eventbrite and enter discount code CURIOSITY25 to receive 25% off.
IamJ Designs Co Podcast with Jaison Thomas. 9am PT September 6. Details coming soon!
QRCA Special Interest Group: AMA with Michele Ronsen. September 1st from 9-10am PT. Details and registration will be available on on QRCA soon!
Speak up, get involved, and share the love!
Connect with Michele on LinkedIn for more UXR tips and UX discussions
Read about Curiosity Tank workshops.
interested in team user research training? Let us know!
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And that’s a wrap!
We try to alternate between a theme and UX/UXR jobs, events, classes, articles, and other happenings every few weeks. Thank you for all of the feedback. Feedback is a gift, and we continue to receive very actionable input on how to make Fuel Your Curiosity more meaningful to you.
What do you think? We're constantly iterating and would love to hear your input.
Stay curious,
- Michele and the Curiosity Tank team
PS: Don't forget to check out the "Expert Training Series". You know you're curious!
