9 questions to ask yourself before a major decision

9 questions to ask yourself before a major decision9 questions to ask yourself before a major decisionThis list is a guide for when you need to test your aspirations that require a major adjustment to your life and career.Its a reality check for change. Grab a pen and get started.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreAm I happy?Its a simple yes or no question. If the answer is no then follow with this How will I change my perspective and/or situation to create happiness? Life is short. Dont have an accidental career or life.What does my gut say?Your head is too intellectual. Your heart is too emotional. Trust your instinct.Does this change align with my values and those of the people it will affect?Write down your values? Write down the values of important people in your life. You might have to sell this change. Know the benefits to all parties. And know who it will hurt. Is it worth it?Am I making this change to run away from something?Change for the sake of change is a mistake. Youll find yourself in a similar situation feeling the same way in a few months wanting to start over again. The fears you run from are running your life. Now is the time to turn around, face them, name them and invite them in with curiosity. This disarms their power. Are these fears based in truth or are they assumptions? Sustainable change requires alignment with values, humility to admit mistakes and a plan.How do I make sure this is not a 5-foot change but a 30,000-foot high innovation?Climb to the top story of your life. Look at the situation from a visionary perspective. The mezzanine view is short-sighted. The world is a big place. Write down the specifics of your ideal situation on paper. Then you have a road map. Everything else is passive.What do I want to do more of? Or less of?You know the negative feedback youve gotten in the past? Now is the time to cast pride aside and ad dress what needs to occur or needs to stop occurring. Who will be your accountability lebenspartner for this change?Whats the financial plan and is it sustainable?It may look good now. How do you envision this change financially in 3 years? 5 years? 10 years? Write it down. What needs to occur for sustainability. Whats the plan?Whats the worst that could happen?And what percentage chance does that have of occurring?What are the behaviors and routines I need to maintain my positivity through the transition?What are your mindful daily practices that keep your mind clear, transform doubt, ground you, deliver positivity and keep your body healthy. How will you track them?Here is a link to a free Flow-on-the-Go Guide to track your mindful daily routines.Mary Lee Gannon, ACC, CAE is an executive coach and corporate CEO who helps busy leaders get off the treadmill to nowhere to be more effective, earn more, be calmer and enjoy connected relationships with the people who matter while it sti ll matters. Watch her FREE Master Class training on Three Things to Transform Your Life and Career Right Now at www.MaryLeeGannon.com.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people