Increasing Resilience Enhances Decision Making

The dictionary describes a decision as “the act of reaching a conclusion or making up one’s mind.” According to new scientific research, this is only part of the story. One of the most intriguing findings in recent research is that one’s feelings are involved in the process of making decisions as much as, or even more than, one’s mind.

When we’re balanced and coherent, our minds become far more effective, sharp, and clear. It boils down to this: when we’re stressed, we lose our emotional balance and are prone to making poor decisions. When we’re emotionally coherent and balanced, we’re poised to make better decisions that will help serve us and everyone concerned.

The Freeze Frame technique was designed to clear the mind in order to make the best decisions. Here are the steps:

The Freeze Frame® Technique:

1: Acknowledge the problem

Acknowledge the problem or issue and any attitudes or feelings about it.

2: Focus your attention in the area of the heart. 

Focus your attention in the area of the heart. Imagine your breath is flowing in and out of your heart or chest area, breathing a little slower and deeper than usual.

Suggestion: Inhale 5 seconds, exhale 5 seconds (or whatever rhythm is comfortable)

3: Make a sincere attempt to experience a regenerative feeling

Make a sincere attempt to experience a regenerative feeling such as appreciation or care for someone or something in your life.

4: Ask yourself… 

From this more objective place, ask yourself what would be a more efficient or effective attitude, action or solution.

5: Quietly observe any subtle changes

Quietly observe any subtle changes in perceptions, attitudes or feelings. Commit to sustaining beneficial attitude shifts and acting on new insights.

Quick Steps:

  • Acknowledge
  • Heart-Focused Breathing
  • Activate a positive or renewing feeling
  • Ask
  • Observe and Act

Hopefully you’ve gotten a better sense of what the decision needs to be. You may not have a crystal clear answer but perhaps you feel calmer and less stressed about this decision. If you didn’t get more clarity, or you’re unsure of what your heart is saying, go through the steps again.