Within the last few weeks, I’ve met people that I haven’t seen for a while. With some, the connection is still there. With some, the communication has turned more formal. I’ve been happy and sometimes slightly nervous about seeing an old friend and that got me thinking about the reasons and decisions that caused the gap in seeing these people. I also started wondering about more profound reasons for untaken actions, decisions, and opportunities. I’m pretty sure everyone has that one famous should have, could have, would have, if it only – moment which takes you, for example, back to a parking lot of Sara Hilden Art Museum or some other random place or discussion. But have you learnt anything about that moment?
The Power of the Unchosen
Life is filled with choices, opportunities, and crossroads where we must decide which path to take be it personal or professional situation. Sometimes we’re brave enough to jump over the cliff to the unknown. Yet, we often find ourselves standing at the edge of the cliff with our untaken opportunities or pondering unmade decisions. Dismissing these events as missed chances is an easy choice. Understanding they hold valuable lessons if we take the time to explore them is a hard choice, but the payback is better. So what could be the wisdom hidden in the moments of unmade decisions and untaken opportunities? Could we learn something from those and how they can shape our lives?
What Unmade Decisions Reveal About You
Unmade decisions and untaken opportunities invite introspection and self-reflection. They force us to dive deep into our desires, fears, and priorities we’ve had at that moment. It’s easy to judge your decisions from years ago with the experience and knowledge you have today. But keeping that in mind, we can better understand ourselves and our situations by examining why we didn’t pursue specific opportunities or make certain decisions. It will also help us make more aligned choices in the future.
Uncovering Your North Star
When faced with unmade decisions or untaken opportunities, it often indicates a misalignment between our values and the visible options before us. The studies state that human core values can evolve and change over time due to various factors such as cultural shifts, societal progress, technological advancements, and individual experiences. While some core values may remain relatively stable, others can undergo significant transformations. By reflecting on the reasons behind our choices, we can gain clarity on what truly matters to us.
Breaking Free from Fear
I acknowledge I have been very security driven with my decisions until around 15 years ago. Some things have changed since today I don’t identify as security-driven from my value perspective. In my case other values have overdriven that. It’s clear from a distance that fears, and uncertainty can often hold us from seizing opportunities or making decisions. It might be hard to see it from close by. Unmade decisions and untaken opportunities can serve as a reminder to evaluate our risk tolerance and identify the factors that hinder us. For me the possible loss of a secure situation has been one of the most challenging thing to identify due to a change that has happened.
Missed Chances or Lucky Escapes
Was it really a missed opportunity or just a nicely avoided catastrophe? In many cases, you won’t get your answer any time soon, so you need patience, and time will tell. While dwelling on regrets is counterproductive, acknowledging the paths not taken can be enlightening. Reflecting on unmade decisions and untaken opportunities can help us recognize the potential possibilities beyond our current circumstances. Rather than dwelling on missed chances, we should use this awareness to make more informed decisions and remain open to new opportunities.
Mastering the Art of Decision-Making
Unmade decisions can highlight areas where we need to improve our decision-making process. For me, this is the most common and used way to reflect my should haves and could haves. Did I suffer from a lack of information, analysis paralysis, or undue influence from external factors? Understanding our decision-making patterns is crucial to make it better.
Gateways to New Opportunities
Unmade decisions and untaken opportunities serve as reminders of life’s surprises and ever-changing nature. They teach us that not every decision will come with favorable outcomes and that opportunities may come and go. It means that adaptability and resilience are good tools for bouncing back from setbacks, adjusting our plans, and embracing new possibilities that may present themselves along our journey.
So, the next time you encounter a situation where you can make a choice to jump over the cliff or continue admiring the scenery, remember that what ever decision you make, it’s not a dead end and instant regret but a chance to learn, grow, and forge a brighter future.
