How to make difficult decisions
You will need a blank sheet of paper. A clear mind. A pencil. Focus on the question, on the choice you want to address.
Write your question as a title at the top center of the page. Draw a vertical line down the middle of the page, just below the title.
Hold the pencil with your non-dominant hand. Keeping the theme you want to explore firmly in mind, start writing and noting down the sensations and feelings that emerge just from thinking about this choice. Write spontaneously, without filtering too much, letting your thoughts flow. Writing with your non-dominant hand will force you to think outside the box and in a more spontaneous and alternative way.
At first, it may seem complicated or unnatural. This is completely normal. Your non-dominant hand is not used to this type of activity, so it is understandable to feel a little discomfort.
Continue to note on the left side of the sheet everything that belongs to your emotional sphere: sensations, fears, desires, doubts, even if they are not very rational or are contradictory. The goal is to give voice to your more intuitive side.
Now it's the other hand's turn. Switch to a rational analysis of the issue. In the right column, write with your dominant hand all the more rational considerations you can come up with.
This time, take your time to reflect. Examine the pros and cons, evaluate the consequences, consider the impact of your actions on yourself and those around you. Think about the advantages and disadvantages, costs and benefits, and alternative solutions.
Try to maintain a certain symmetry between the two columns, in order to give equal space and dignity to both your emotional and rational sides.
Analyze your choice
You will find yourself with a sheet of paper with two columns that, at times, may even contain conflicting ideas. It is precisely from this dissonance that doubts and decision-making difficulties often arise.
Now try to find a point of balance. Reflect on how to integrate the needs and demands of both parts: the emotional and the rational. It is not about choosing the “right part,” but about finding a synthesis that takes both into account.
On the back of the sheet — or at the bottom — start writing possible actions that can satisfy both levels of analysis. It is a way to transform internal conflict into constructive mediation.
Congratulations
If you have completed the exercise, you have shown courage: you have chosen to observe yourself from within, in a deep and conscious way.
By repeating the exercise on different topics, you will notice that there is often no solution that can fully satisfy both perspectives. This very feeling of imperfect balance can be the signal that you have found a wise and well-considered decision.
Write your experience in the comments, let me know if you managed to find the clarity you were looking for! Share this exercise with those you think might find it useful.