Every day we need to make decisions. As medical professionals, the decisions you make at work will be carefully evaluated and decided in the context of evidence based medicine and best practice. But how so in your personal life?

In latin to decide means to ‘cut off from’ all other options. You’ve probably experienced the relief that comes from making a decision, when the head becomes clear again and a course of action can then be taken. But how do we get to that place?

One way, is to make sure you clearly differentiate between ‘problem analysis’ and decision making. The two things are completely separate from one another. The problem analysis component must be done first, and then any information gathered in that process may be applied to the actual decision making.

Phew! So what’s the problem? Well for junior doctors you may be experiencing problems specific to your work environment, or perhaps even caused by work i.e. relationship issues, financial issues etc. and then there’s the non-work things too of course.

So once you know the problem you want to work on, work out where you want to be, and where you actually are – i.e. do a gap analysis.  What’s causing the gap? Once you’ve nailed that, then you can move into setting a new objective and then evaluating alternative actions to meet that objective – and make a decision. A handy hint is to consider the implications of that decision, i.e. check its robustness, before pressing the ‘go’ button.

Making a decision produces a final choice.  Sometimes, we’ll have tough decisions to make.  If you’ve registered with MedRecruit, you’ll have had our eBook in which there is a series of videos from former Black Caps Captain Stephen Fleming, one of which is on making tough decisions.

Fleming says a tough decision is usually tough for one of the following reasons: not enough knowledge; there is no right or wrong; or the outcome is uncertain. His advice is to work out how you arrived at having to make the decision. Then, make a decision, and use your gut feeling; gut feelings he believes, actually come from years of accumulated experiences and ultimately guide you.

The quality of our lives are determined by the quality of the deciisions we make.

Do you have a decision to make? What’s the problem that’s leading you to make a decision? Remember, identify the problem; analyse possible alternatives; choose one; evaluate its consequences, and then take action!

At MedRecruit we’re all about taking action with you and for you.  To get in touch visit locum doctor agency MedRecruit, Australasia's premiere agency for junior doctors creating a lifestyle and career in medicine.

Committed to your success!

Dr Sam Hazledine

Managing Director