The 3 F's of Decision Making

We all carry fears in life and work — some are evident, others are buried — but they shape our choices more than we realize.

Yet when we begin to name them, something shifts. Space opens up. We begin to uncover the unique fabric of who we really are — how we are wired and what stirs our soul.

Then, as we come to know ourselves in light of both the fears we carry and the fabric we hold, we are able to move forward in freedom and rest towards others-centric action.

There is no better time to step into that than now as a young professional.

It doesn’t happen magically, though. It takes work.

So, let’s jump into a three-part framework that will help you name fears, discover your unique fabric, and move you forward into spaces and places God has for you:

1. Your Fears

2. Your Fabric

3. Move Forward

The National Library of Medicine conducted a study on over 9,500 participants to understand how fear drives decision making.

The data communicates that fear not only influenced participant decision-making but it completely guided it — meaning participants rarely made decisions authentically but rather from a posture of fear.

How does this relate to you and I? Since fear is a proven decision-making driver, without a clear understanding of what your fears are, they may be misguiding you in decision-making.

The way out? Identify and surrender those fears over time (I would assume over a lifetime 😆)

So, I challenge you to identify 1 fear that pings you from the list below:

Common fears a young professional may face today are —

• Fear of Failure

• Fear of Rejection

• Fear of Being Exposed

• Fear of Not Being Enough

• Fear of Making the Wrong Choice

And from these fears, here are some examples of how they may affect you —

• Because we fear failure, we are too risk averse.

• Because we fear rejection, we make decisions based on others’ expectations.

• Because we fear exposure, we choose self-preservation instead of authenticity.

• Because we fear not being enough, we carry the weight of imposter syndrome.

• Because we fear making the wrong choice, we are stuck in paralysis by analysis.

Any of those jump off the page? Take note of them.

Now that you have identified relevant fear(s) and how they drive decision making, it is important to understand how fear identification creates space for your unique fabric.

We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalms 139:14, NIV). “We are God’s handiwork” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV).

Scripture is clear that we have unique fabric. Yet so often, fear gets in the way.

But as discussed in step 1, the more that fears are revealed, identified, and surrendered, the more space in your head and heart is created. And in that space, your unique fabric begins to authentically shine.

For the good of others!

So, with that, ponder:

• What are your gifts?

• What are your drivers?

• What are the unique fingerprints of God in your life?

The Yo Pro team has written a few newsletters on discovering how God has uniquely wired you — maybe they can be a resource for you today:

• Who are your gifts? — Look Back to Move Forward ⏪

• Your Drivers — 4 W’s of Endless Values (beware of old branding 😉)

• Unique Fingerprints of God — Finding Your Optimal Job Fit 👀

With fears surrendered and fabric identified, we can move forward in freedom to spaces and places God has for us, both in and out of the workplace.

But to where and to whom should you go?

As a young professional, knowing where and to whom to go can feel like a mystery.

• What community should I put down roots in?

• Should I move back to my hometown or to a new city?

• Should I take the promotion at my employer or a new opportunity elsewhere?

Even with abundant awareness, it can be daunting to understand where and who to move forward to.

Take heart in this: A few years ago, an individual presented on the heartbeat of his organization — finding and sending missionaries overseas.

As he closed, he read John 6:68 — it reads, “Lord, to whom shall we go?”

Then, he challenged the audience to ask the same question. Let’s try it here today —

• Father, with the fears you are revealing and the fabric you have graciously given me, to where and and to whom should I go that aligns with your kingdom coming and your will being done in my life?

Maybe that’s a question for you to ask God this week — in your career, your community, your church, your family.

There is no better time than today.

Fears, unique fabrics, and moving forward is complicated. I recognize that. An over-simplified, less-than 1,000 word newsletter does not do it justice.

I imagine it is a lifelong journey.

The good news is that there is a wonderful counselor (Isaiah 9:6, NIV) who knows every hair on our head. He teaches us who we are, whose we are, and where / whom we should go for his glory and our good.

Lean into him this week.

As always, let us know how we can help you navigate your world as you navigate the world.

In Your Corner.

See you next Tuesday!