How to Make the Best Decision
Are you struggling with making an important decision about your future?
The following process used by storytellers and filmmakers may help you resolve your dilemma.
Filmmakers often struggle with deciding how to end a movie. One option is to use test screenings that offer alternate endings to different test subjects. The viewers fill out forms at the end of the movie giving the filmmaker valuable feedback on the best way to end the story.
The movie, “Get Out” (2017) has two different endings which leave the audience with very different perspectives. The original ending was bleak and tragic. However, test audiences favored Chris winning so the ending was changed.
An alternate ending adds a whole new context to a movie. In many cases, it changes the way you think and feel about the entire movie. The movie, “I Am Legend” offers two alternative story endings, again changing the nature of the hero.
Explore alternate endings.
Let’s take this idea and apply it to your life. If you’re considering making a significant life change this is definitely worth trying.
Like the filmmakers, looking at some alternative endings will help you make the best choice.
Pick a time in the future when the decision you make will have created some major consequences. Typically this can be a few years to as much as 20 years in the future. From this perspective, you’ll examine different endings based on the alternate decisions you can make.
Write out some alternative endings based on the different choices you could make. What will life look like if your story ends this way or that way? How will you feel looking back? Spend some time to flesh it out in as much detail as possible. Take time to think about how you’ll feel with each different ending
Once you’ve written some alternative endings you’ll be able to get a perspective that’s only available by looking back. It will help you get a completely new perspective on what’s important to you and what you value.
It could be just the thing you need to make the best choice.
Are you trying to discover your why, your purpose?
Or are you struggling with making an important decision about your future?
The following process used by storytellers and filmmakers may help you resolve your dilemma.
Filmmakers often struggle deciding on how to end a movie. One option is to use test screenings that offer alternate endings to different test subjects. The viewers fill out forms at the end of the movie giving the filmmaker valuable feedback for the best way to end the story.
The movie, “Get Out” (2017) has two different endings which leave the audience with very different perspectives. The original ending was bleak and tragic. However, test audiences favored Chris winning so the ending was changed.
An alternate ending adds a whole new context to a movie. In many cases it changes the way you think and feel about the entire movie experience. The movie, “I Am Legend” offers two alternative story endings, again changing the nature of the hero.\
Explore alternate endings.
Let’s take this idea and apply it to your life. If you’re considering making a significant life change this is definitely worth exploring.
How are you thinking about changing your life? What major decisions are you facing and how will they affect your future? Are you trying to decide on a career or relationship change?
Like the filmmakers, looking at some alternative endings will help you make the best choice.
Pick a time at least 10 to 20 years in the future. This will be the viewpoint you’ll use to compose your alternate endings.
The value of looking back
Write the first ending as though your life is a continuation of how you’re living now. If you keep doing the same things you’re doing now, what will your life look like in 10 to 20 years?
Next, write out alternative endings based on the different choices you could make. What will life look like if your story ends this way or that way? How will you feel looking back? Spend some time to flesh it out in as much detail as possible. Take time to think about how you’ll feel with each different ending
Once you’ve written some alternative endings you’ll be able to get a perspective that’s only available by looking back. It will help you get a whole new feel for what’s important to you and what you value. It could be just the thing you need to make the best choice.
Remember, you are the hero in your own story. You get to decide on how you want your story to end.