Key Takeaways
- Taking the time to think before you do something is generally a really good idea.
- By doing so, you’ll set yourself up to make better decisions.
- There’s a four-step model that can help with all this.
When it comes to making decisions and changing behaviors, there’s something called transtheoretical model behavior. It has five steps: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. There’s a simpler way to think about this, though. Let’s look at The Strategic Coach® Program’s four-step model on thinking and acting.
Step one is to think. Think through something and figure out if you want to take it further. Decide whether you want to take action.
Step two is to write. This uses a different part of your brain. Write down what you’re thinking of doing.
Step three is to talk to someone. This takes yet another part of your brain. You can talk out loud to yourself, but it’s easier to talk to another person. Pitch your idea and listen to yourself as you do it.
Once you’ve made your way through those first three steps, you’re ready for the fourth step, which is the actual doing.
Repeat this process over and over, and it’s something to apply to your money decisions as well. As you build your wealth over time, you’re making decisions and learning new things all the time. Frankly, you’ll want someone to talk with who knows more than you do when it comes to money – preferably an advisor who understands your particular circumstance.
Whenever you’re learning or doing something new, this four-step learning process will help you decide how to go about it. Think, write, and talk to get the clarity you need to do it. Rather than just jumping ahead and taking action, take the time to go through these steps to determine whether it’s a truly viable action. You may find that you have a hundred different thoughts, but only move forward on one – but if you’ve gone through these steps, you’ll know that the one you chose was a good one. Until next time, enjoy.
Gary
If you’d like to read more on this topic, here are a few of Gary’s previous posts that you might enjoy: