Body and Mind Matters: The Art of Proactive Decision-Making
July 20, 2026One of my favorite scriptures reads, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37). Wow! No matter what your spiritual beliefs are, there is no denying that this Bible verse packs a powerful punch! Honesty and straightforwardness build integrity and respect; dishonesty and convolution cause frustration and derision.
Being wishy-washy about decisions can have devastating consequences in someone’s life as well as in their relationships. Not being upfront with people can cause unnecessary strife and confusion. And, worse yet, procrastinating and not making proactive decisions for yourself are habits that are unlikely to lead toward long-term success.
As a coach, trainer, and psychotherapist, I have the privilege of assisting clients with their thought processes, goal-setting, and decision-making skills. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to challenge our current ways of thinking and making or forgoing decisions. Fortunately, there are evidence-based skills we can learn and benefit from.
Personal Growth and Development
In the business and decision analysis realms, there is a concept called “Proactive Decision-Making” or “PDM”. My explanation below is simplified and strictly an interpretation I believe can benefit my readers and clients in terms of personal growth and development. The Peter Druckers of the world would have more to add in terms of PDM for business management.
In organizations that employ PDM, leaders are tasked with anticipating challenges and making informed choices that line up with long-term goals. PDM helps companies strategize and mitigate risks.
As individuals, we can learn a lot from Proactive Decision Making which encourages strategic thinking and proactive planning. The process of identifying long-term goals is paramount to PDM. Without goals and plans to reach them, we remain adrift in a sea of aimlessness and wishful thinking. PDM requires that you gather information and data to make informed decisions and set realistic goals.
Once you’ve identified your goals (which you will continually review and tweak as necessary), it is time to develop a plan to achieve them. It would be nice, and perhaps boring, if everything in life always went exactly as planned. So, the next step is to proactively anticipate any challenges and risks you might encounter along the way. Consider how you would respond to mitigate each challenge. If you carefully think through various scenarios and challenges beforehand, you will be better prepared to address any glitches that may arise as you progress toward your goals.
The art of PDM encourages us to consider how seemingly small life decisions support or detract from our long-term goals.
We need an awareness of the fact that decisions made today impact future outcomes. For example, I know that if I choose to repeatedly overeat, I have chosen to detract from my long-term goal of having a healthy weight for my body. Or, if I am saving money toward a car but eat out every night, I have chosen to delay my progress toward the new car purchase.
In my work with clients, I have often noticed how some of the highest achievers have been somehow conditioned to doubt themselves. They are thinkers and planners, but they are also often people-pleasers and perfectionists as well. Sometimes, trauma or abuse or everyday overwhelm seems to cause self-doubt and passivity. Instead of making the proactive decisions they are fully capable of, they end up in some sort of vicious mind trap until they run out of time and the decision is forced upon them. Fortunately, this type of decision-making is a habit that can be broken. Relearning to trust yourself and rebuilding confidence are key. As you commit to proactive decision-making, you will begin to trust yourself and your decisions more. And, as you regain trust in yourself, you’ll find proactive decision-making easier and more enjoyable.
Below is a Formula For Proactive Decision-Making:
- Continually work on self-esteem and trust.
- Identify the fears (e.g., fear of change, procrastination, perfectionism, self-doubt) underlying decision-making challenges
- Identify the decision that needs to be made.
- Consider potential risks.
- Develop a plan to address problems, if they arise.
- Evaluate whether or not this decision aligns with your values and future objectives.
- Commit to take actions in the present that support your long-term goals.
- Gather any necessary information and data.
- Make strategic, data-driven choices.
- Practice the steps above with seemingly insignificant decisions until proactive decision-making becomes a habit.
Proactivity contributes to work and life satisfaction. By utilizing the steps above to make proactive decisions, you can feel confident that you analyzed the data; considered your goals and values; and made the best decision for you at the time. Learn to accept that all humans make mistakes. If you can correct a bad choice, do so as soon as you become aware of the mistake. If the choice is not easily corrected, do what you can to get back on course. In the meantime, make sure you learn from the experience!
 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Coach Jenna Nocera, MA, MFT, CLSC, CPFT is a Life & Wellness Coach, Psychotherapist, and Personal Fitness Trainer with advanced degrees in Behavioral Science, Psychology, and Marriage and Family Therapy. She works with clients to redesign their lifestyle habits and reach their personal and professional goals. Subscribe to the Formula For Excellence® newsletter to receive a Free Habit Tracker and occasional health and wellness tips. Read more articles by Coach Jenna! |
