There is a question that can ground you in knowing what the right next step is when you’re trying to make a decision.

This is the fifth of a six-part video series on coaching yourself with the right questions. I’ve been getting questions from some of you, and this week I was asked: 

“I’m trying to make a decision about how to handle an opportunity that has come up. There are time-sensitive matters that are making the decision feel urgent, but I’m scared of making a move too quickly because the consequences might be something I regret later.”

Here’s the question to coach yourself with. It’s a variation on a question from pastor and author, Andy Stanley. When you can consider past experiences, your current circumstances, and your future dreams … 

What is the wise thing to do?

This question causes you to take a 360-degree view of your life. Your past experiences have given you some wisdom, your present circumstances ground you in reality, and your future dreams help you to align with your vision of what you want. 

The wise thing is not the same as the fastest thing, the most popular thing, or the easiest thing. In fact, when we ask this question, we almost always get a different answer from what is the easiest thing to do. 

You will always thank yourself later for doing the wise thing. 

If you’ve ever pondered the idea of self-coaching as a tool for your personal growth, check out a free course I created called How to Coach Yourself at ValorieBurton.com. If you’re ready to be supported month by month in a community focused on personal growth, check out the Successful Women’s Academy (SWA) at valorieburton.com. And remember, where you go is determined by how much you are willing to grow. Coaching is a process that can help you grow consistently and intentionally into the full potential in every area of your life.