Journal Prompts for Making Big Life Decisions

When you face a significant decision, utilizing journal prompts can provide clarity. Here’s guidance from experts.

Victor Saad’s Journey to Career Change

In 2011, Victor Saad, a secondary school teacher, sought a new career path. Instead of pursuing an MBA, he reflected on his goals of gaining credibility and employment. This reflection led him to explore alternative paths.

Saad decided to embark on a year-long journey. Each month in 2012, he shadowed a different business project. From a creative studio in San Diego to a menswear company in China, his exploration fueled a major life shift. Saad’s experience shows how creative thinking facilitates radical changes, whether in employment or relocation.

Guidance from Art Markman

Art Markman, psychology professor at the University of Texas at Austin, offers tools for making big decisions. He authored the book Smart Change. According to him, curiosity is key. It invites you to consider life’s potential beyond preconceived limits.

Victor Saad’s leap year brought him to an exciting new opportunity—founding Experience Institute. Through this organization, he helps others make significant life decisions.

Your Decision-Making Toolkit

Ready to make a big decision? Equip yourself with a pen, notebook, and calendar. Here are expert-recommended questions and exercises:

1. Where Am I Today? Where Do I Want to Be?

Victor Saad suggests the “Two Lines” exercise from Experience Institute. This exercise helps sketch a roadmap to reach your goals.

Draw two lines on paper. On the left, describe your current status. On the right, outline your desired future. Leave the middle blank. Add steps like “find a local ceramics studio” or “build inventory.” This creates a roadmap, guiding your journey forward.

2. Who Am I?

Art Markman advises the “20 Statements Test.” It offers a broader view of self-perception. Often, our narrow self-view hampers big decisions.

Write “Who am I?” on a paper. List 20 qualities. For instance, “Midwesterner,” “loyal,” or “community-oriented.” Examine this list. Use positive traits to counteract limiting ones. Shyness, for example, can be balanced by reliability. This perspective shift influences decisions.

3. When Can I Start?

Choose a date on the calendar to trigger change. Markman highlights the motivation of symbolic dates like New Year’s Day or personal occasions. Such dates enhance motivation and optimism, known as the “fresh start effect.”

By choosing a symbolic start, you gain two perspectives: envisioning change and reflecting on the past. Both angles are crucial for success.

This article offers practical steps for major life decisions. Produced by Sylvie Douglis and edited by Malaka Gharib, with visuals by Beck Harlan. Share your thoughts by voicemail at 202-216-9823 or email [email protected]. Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Stay updated with our newsletter.