The P.A.U.S.E. method

The P.A.U.S.E. method is a simple five-step technique that can help you reclaim power over your decisions.

“To offset decision fatigue or poor, rushed decision making, I have both implemented the P.A.U.S.E. system and taught it to aspiring leaders,” says Ann.

“We have to reprogramme ourselves as the P.A.U.S.E. system often goes against our natural instinct, which is to move out of uncertainty as that makes us feel unsafe, into certainty. And that is what making a decision is: you are faced with a choice (uncertainty) and need to move to certainty (the decision outcome).”

The P.A.U.S.E. system encourages us to slow down and resist the urge to find certainty immediately.

Pause

The first step is to literally pause.

“From my experience, one of the most powerful skills to learn is the confidence to pause,” says Ann. “Some may perceive not having an immediate answer or solution as a sign of weakness. In contrast, it actually conveys confidence in your abilities.”

Take a beat when you’re faced with a decision where you do absolutely nothing – you don’t plan your next move, you don’t worry about the task at hand. You simply sit with it.

“The goal is to engage in a neutral internal decision-making process, responding calmly, with clarity, and careful consideration,” she says.

Acknowledge

Next, acknowledge your limits, restrictions and issues. Be honest with yourself about the decision at hand and why it might be a difficult one.

“This is often the most challenging aspect for individuals, as it necessitates self-honesty regarding your own limitations, weaknesses, and challenges,” she says. “How might these factors impact the decision-making process? Is it necessary to seek additional insights from a specialist or a colleague?”

Understand

Take the time to look at the problem before you from a variety of perspectives. This can help you reach a more objective understanding.

“Allocate some time to contemplate the matter from various angles. The list of perspectives might be concise on occasion or more extensive on others,” she says. “Nonetheless, when you deliberate on the matter through the eyes of those impacted by the decision and carefully assess the advantages and disadvantages, it equips you to arrive at more informed, long-term decisions. This approach not only minimises resistance but frequently obviates the necessity for subsequent decisions to rectify the course in the future.”

Battling decision fatigue? Here’s how the P.A.U.S.E. method helps you make strong decisions every time