Naomi Osaka announced, on Monday, May 31, she would withdraw from the French Open and will be taking some time away from the tennis court to safeguard her mental well-being.
There are circumstances when we find ourselves at a crossroad having to decide what to do at a very crucial time in our lives. Should I attend college or find a good job? Should I marry, or should we move in together? Should I take this job or not?
I was pondering this when I was sitting in my backyard, watching the water in the pool swirl in circles, I turned my attention to Osaka’s decision that had been preoccupying on my mind. Reflecting on all the times I wish I had a crystal ball because I felt stuck and not sure what decision to make?
You see, when it comes to making tough life decisions, we feel like it’s the big choices we make that determine our destiny. Perhaps the big choices only serve to determine who we want to be. The smaller choices show us what is most important while introducing us to the depth of our character and influence our personality.
Every decision you make, from your choices to how you respond to the circumstances of your life shapes your destiny and how your life will turn out.
The result of a decision may not show up today or tomorrow but may show up several years down the road.
Real choices in life give you no choice at all. Sometimes you just take a deep breath because your subconscious has already leaped before you have time to contemplate.
Looking back over my life and the moments when I had to choose between one thing or another. I ask myself why did I choose one option over another. Each of those little decisions revealed my core values.
In the past, I simply could not see what was ahead, and I found myself making decisions based on what my life looked like at the time, not based on where I was trying to go.
And in those decisions, I had regret. At some point in your life, you will make a decision that you regret even with the most important decisions of your life, like choosing a spouse.
When it comes to the decisions we regret, most of us tend to confuse the quality of the decision with the quality of the outcome.
I have to remind myself not to confuse the quality of my decision with the outcome. It wasn’t a bad decision, just a bad outcome. I did the best I could with the information I had at the time.
I now make my decisions based on the goals I set for myself. I commit to the decisions that align with where I am trying to go. A decision that gives me strength in my conviction and my values. Knowing my goal is very helpful in making decisions. My ultimate goals and my core values are beneficial when making the most important decisions of my life.
What will you do when faced with your next big decision? I encourage you to embrace your uncertainty. Instead of focusing on the decision, promote positive decision-making habits that will tap into your strength, character, and personality.
Do not exaggerate your decision. If you are feeling, stuck dial things back to the most basic facts and disregard the what ifs and wonderings. You cannot decide based on things that have not and may never happen. You do not know how you will feel in the future. Base your decision on your needs for the here and now.
When making crossroad decisions remain determined to live your dream and fulfilling your destiny. Trust yourself that you know what you are doing.
Procrastination never brings perspective. Practice making decisions confidently by eliminating hesitation and doubt. Commit to your decision and remain flexible in your approach. Write down everything about the situation that is real, removing all the projections and infinite possibilities. Be sure your mind is clear. Decisions made when you are feeling down are never good. A clear mind will help you decide clearly.
While it is nice to consult friends and family for advice, you have your own experience and perspective. So, be careful about taking the opinions of others. Think for yourself. When you look back 10-20 years from now, you will realize you made the most import decisions of your lifetime. Seeking the perspectives of others is good, but you are the one who must live with your decision. It is hard to know if you are doing the right thing or not, with everyone forcing their opinion on you. It is important to empower yourself to make your own decisions. If you depend on others to decide for you, more than likely, you will make the wrong decision. You must do what is right for you.
Whatever the decision, it will determine your future.
Then there are times when you know what you need to do, and often it does not necessarily make sense. Think about this; perhaps you don’t have enough information, don’t let this hold you back from choosing what feels right for you.
Most of the time, we know the answer, and the following questions can help you unlock the answers.
If I do X, what will it cost me?
If I do X, what will I gain?
Is what it cost me WORTH what I will gain?
Will it take me towards my dream goal/who I aspire to be?
Does it align with my values and vision?
How do you know the right thing to do? One of the most effective decision-making strategies is to keep your eye on your goal. Make your decision and embrace it.
When Osaka looks back 10-20 years, she will reflect on how this was an important decision for her life.
She can only make the decision based on her goals and her core values.
This is not the first time Osaka has made a decision that shook the tennis world. In 2020, Osaka decided to withdraw from the 2020 Cincinnati Open to raise awareness for the police shooting of Jacob Blake only staying in the tournament after choosing to support her cause by postponing the event for a day.
At the US Open, Osaka walked onto the court for her seven matches wearing a different black mask, each of which with the name of an African American, who had been killed in recent years often without significant repercussions.
She is doing what is best for her mental health. Of course, she could listen to the public who does not have a dog in the race. She is the one who will live with her decision. It is called self-care.
