Decision making your way to the best outcome

Throughout our lives, making a decision is something we do thousands of times a day. Our first thought occurs as soon as we wake, and our final thought when we drift off to sleep. Researchers have found on average, that most people will have approximately 6,200 thoughts per day.i

Having so many thoughts requires us to make thousands of decisions. Whilst majority of these decisions are simple and will have no significant consequence, there are times when more difficult and complex decisions will need to be made and require creative thinking techniques and a deeper thought process to ensure a more successful outcome.

Deep thinking vs shallow thinking

Two types of methods can be used when it comes to decision-making and while neither is right nor wrong, it’s important to understand the difference between the two and choose the method that works best for you and the situation. After all, if we all thought the same way, life would be pretty boring right?

Deep thinking requires effort and mindfulness and someone who is considered a deep thinker will usually look at the whole chain of events throughout this thought process. They will explore different pathways to reach different outcomes and have a greater understanding of the consequences based on that specific decision.

Contrary to deep thinking is shallow thinking, and these decisions are instinct-driven – they are made immediately. This type of thinker is decisive and won’t necessarily spend time exploring different pathways to reach an outcome or consider the consequences of their decisions as much as a deep thinker would.

Can you learn to become a deep thinker?

Some may say, with so much technology and information on hand, shallow thinking is now far outweighing the deep thought process and we are losing the ability to use these creative thinking skills to make certain choices. Our attention span is limited; we are distracted easily, therefore our thought process is constantly being interrupted, meaning we spend less time thinking about the outcomes of the choices we are making.

There are several steps you can implement to learn how to become a deep thinker. Firstly, you must fully understand the situation in detail – what is being asked and what impact it will have – only then, can you spend time creating a constructive environment to make decisions. In creating a constructive environment, you will need to determine whether other people should be included in this process.

By including others, you have the opportunity to take into account other people’s ideas. This is a fantastic way to explore ideas that you may not have previously considered and give the process the time and attention it deserves. Once you have reviewed all options, you can determine the risks and impacts of each, then decide what the best outcome is likely to be.

Alternate ways to make decisions

Some decisions won’t be as complex or require the same level of creative thinking to make the right choice. Some alternate options could be as simple as – sleep on it. While this may seem like a ‘no brainer’, this can be one of the most effective ways to make a decision. While you are sleeping, your subconscious is still hard at work.

Talk to friends, relatives, or colleagues whose opinion you value – they can offer a different perspective if you are unsure about your decision.

Schedule a specific time in the day to help you focus – do you do your best thinking in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Remember, to focus completely, you need to remove all distractions during this time – turn off your email notifications and put your phone on silent.

If the decision is work-related, try delegating tasks as this could help reduce stress if work is piling up.

Change your environment – going for a walk or meditating can help you relax which then allows you to free space in your mind and shed new light on the way you think.

No right or wrong

Remember, there is no right or wrong when it comes to making decisions. Whether they are personal or business-focused, by applying some of these methods, you may alleviate stress and reach a better outcome when you next make a decision.


i https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2020/07/new-study-reveals-just-how-many-thoughts-we-have-each-day.html

Material contained in this publication is a summary only and is based on information believed to be reliable and received from sources within the market. It is not the intention of RGM Financial Planners Pty Ltd ABN 36 419 582 Australian Financial Services Licence Number 229471, RGM Accountants & Advisors Pty Ltd ABN 69 528 723 510 that this publication be used as the primary source of readers’ information but as an adjunct to their own resources and training. No representation is given, warranty made or responsibility taken as to the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of any information or recommendation contained in this publication and RGM and its related bodies corporate will not be liable to the reader in contract or tort (including for negligence) or otherwise for any loss or damage arising as a result of the reader relying on any such information or recommendation (except in so far as any statutory liability cannot be excluded).

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.





Future proofing your career with professional development

“The only thing that is constant is change” – so said the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus and it continues to ring true today.

Industries are changing, continuing to evolve in response to challenges (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), technological disruptors and customer expectations. As a result, there is a greater need for the workforce to continue to adapt and develop. We need to be agile to stay on top of these changes, continue developing and learning, which will work towards future proofing our careers.

While some industries have formal professional development programs, there are many ways to foster your own development for those who don’t have formal pathways. Here is how you can take the lead to future proof your career.

Enrol in a course

Some workplaces offer both in-person and online courses, for example LinkedIn Learning, so take advantage of what’s on offer. You can also seek out professional courses relevant to your industry to upskill, keeping you abreast of the changing environment – not to mention that further education is a great additional to your CV as it showcases your engagement within the industry and your proactive approach to your career.

Attend webinars or seminars

While COVID restrictions have halted many in-person seminars, there are plenty of online webinars you can attend, some which are specifically on the topic of future proofing your career. While there are a number of free webinars you can attend, others may be offered by organisations to their members. Paid membership to these organisations be they industry groups, or groups centred around a common goal, can be a worthwhile investment assisting with not only educational sessions but networking opportunities.

Not only are webinars accessible from your office or living room, they tend to be more budget-friendly than seminars. However, seminars offer face-to-face learning and networking opportunities, so they are great to utilise where possible.

Pick up a book or listen to podcasts

It doesn’t get easier than picking up a book to arm yourself with new knowledge. There is a wealth of information out there, some which will be general advice discussing trends and management styles, others that will be tailored to your industry.

If you don’t have much time to read, opt for an audio book to listen to in the car or during exercise. Podcasts are also excellent ways of getting helpful information in a format that is convenient and can be tapped in and out of. As they are regularly created, you’re likely to get more up-to-date information this way.

Enlist the help of a mentor

It’s clear that a mentor can help you stay on top of your industry or explore new opportunities by providing support and guidance. A 2019 survey showed that while 76% of people thought mentors are important, only 37% actually have one.i

The study also found that 61% of mentor-mentee relationships developed naturally, with 25% happening after someone offered to mentor, and 14% when someone asked for a mentor. This means that there’s likely to already be someone in your life who could be your mentor. Think about who is dynamic in facing industry changes and don’t be shy to ask if they’re open to mentoring you.


Join peer groups

An extension of having a mentor, peer groups provide you with the support of others who are also dedicated to professional and personal growth. If you are someone who thrives on peer support, it will be invaluable to be part of a group of people rather than going it alone.

You can give each other feedback, check in on each other’s goals and share helpful experiences and resources such as great books or webinars. This is also a fantastic way to make real-life connections – you might even meet someone who helps you land a new job or open doors to a new industry. Online tools such as Meetup can help you find a group near you and keep an eye on industry meetups as well.

Life is full of change, but rather than feeling overwhelmed, embrace it. By furthering your education, you’ll future proof your career and feel more empowered tackling the changes you face.


i https://online.olivet.edu/research-statistics-on-professional-mentors

Material contained in this publication is a summary only and is based on information believed to be reliable and received from sources within the market. It is not the intention of RGM Financial Planners Pty Ltd ABN 36 419 582 Australian Financial Services Licence Number 229471, RGM Accountants & Advisors Pty Ltd ABN 69 528 723 510 that this publication be used as the primary source of readers’ information but as an adjunct to their own resources and training. No representation is given, warranty made or responsibility taken as to the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of any information or recommendation contained in this publication and RGM and its related bodies corporate will not be liable to the reader in contract or tort (including for negligence) or otherwise for any loss or damage arising as a result of the reader relying on any such information or recommendation (except in so far as any statutory liability cannot be excluded).

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

Flexing your resilience muscle

Resilience – it’s not something we are born with but it’s an important skill to have and usually develops early on in childhood and continues to develop as you get older.

Australia has encountered some catastrophic events in recent years – the ongoing drought, the country in and out of lockdowns (as a result of COVID-19), bushfires, followed by floods, and then the mouse plague – we’ve seen it all.

When situations like this occur, it brings so much uncertainty as we’re not sure what’s going to happen in the future, and this is where we can appreciate how strong and capable we are by being resilient.


What is resilience and why is it important?

Resilience, in a nutshell, is the ability to be able to cope with certain challenges, overcome obstacles and recover quickly when a stressful situation arises.

The reason being resilient is so important is because it allows you to look at each obstacle you are presented with, take a step back, process the situation, and gain some perspective. This enables you to recognise and understand that you are able to overcome certain situations and life will continue to go on when certain challenges are thrown your way – no matter how big or small.

Preparing yourself for these types of situations not only continues to build on and strengthen your resilience, but can also improve your overall health and wellbeing.

How can you strengthen your resilience muscle?

There will be times when life is running smoothly and then you’re thrown a massive curveball – this is where your resilience muscle will kick in.

How you view adversity and stress is critical, as this will have a major impact on how you react and cope with disruptions in life. It also sets the tone for how quickly you bounce back and recover from these situations.

Here are a few strategies that can help you strengthen your resilience:

  • Foster a positive mindset – negative thoughts can impact how you react to stressful situations
  • Exercise – daily exercise releases endorphins and increases serotonin which has a positive effect on your mood
  • Personal control – spend time focusing on what you can control and set goals
  • Talk to friends and family – sharing your problems can help ease the burden and they can always provide some advice that may help you
  • Keep a journal – writing down your feelings can be a good way to express yourself and de-stress if you don’t want to share your feelings with others
  • Learn from your mistakes – making mistakes is a part of everyday life and drawing on past mistakes can help you to reassess decisions you make in the future
Resilience in the truest sense

Whilst Australia has experienced some of the worst disasters with bushfires and floods in recent years, it’s also brought out the best in most and shown that overall Australian’s are a resilient bunch.

Farmers in rural and remote areas across the country suffered greatly due to the drought, and like many businesses in the city during the COVID-19 outbreak, farmers and their families had to ‘pivot’ and look for other opportunities to earn money.

This is when the ‘Buy From The Bush’ campaign was developed. It’s a great initiative where gifts, homewares, and arts and collectables amongst other things can be purchased online, which helps small businesses in rural areas that are struggling financially throughout this period.

Throughout this period, it showed us that in the face of adversity resilience is a vital skill for us all and having the support around you is key when faced with difficult challenges.

Focus on a positive mindset

Remember, having a positive mindset helps us achieve a better outlook on life, we smile more, we laugh more, and we try to resolve things more simply.

Two quotes come to mind when it comes to a positive outlook – you must keep in mind ‘there is always light at the end of the tunnel’ and ‘always look on the bright side of life’.

Most importantly, we must remind ourselves that challenging times won’t last forever

Material contained in this publication is a summary only and is based on information believed to be reliable and received from sources within the market. It is not the intention of RGM Financial Planners Pty Ltd ABN 36 419 582 Australian Financial Services Licence Number 229471, RGM Accountants & Advisors Pty Ltd ABN 69 528 723 510 that this publication be used as the primary source of readers’ information but as an adjunct to their own resources and training. No representation is given, warranty made or responsibility taken as to the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of any information or recommendation contained in this publication and RGM and its related bodies corporate will not be liable to the reader in contract or tort (including for negligence) or otherwise for any loss or damage arising as a result of the reader relying on any such information or recommendation (except in so far as any statutory liability cannot be excluded).

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.