How to Make Choices for Your Higher Good
From the moment we wake in the morning until we drift back to sleep at night, we move along the path of life making decisions and taking actions that steer our life in a nearly infinite set of directions.
Some choices will be difficult, while others will be made with barely a thought.
Our conscious and unconscious minds are at play, sometimes working to our benefit and other times quietly sabotaging our forward movement.
We can do some groundwork by establishing a daily routine or framework for our days. This can keep our actions accountable to the big vision for our lives and ensure we are moving in a good direction that hopefully feels good along the way.
But what about the choices and actions that fall beyond the pattern of a routine? And how do we even decide what gets added to our routine in the first place?
Opening up to new possibilities
Each time we step into a higher and more authentic version of ourselves, we’ll be challenged in new ways. We’ll face difficult choices that affect our emotional wellbeing, our relationships, our environment, our bodies, and more.
Sometimes this means making big choices about what to do — Should I take this job or that one? Should I say yes to the relationship or give myself some space?
Other times, it’s the small choices and steps that seem insignificant but end up creating a big impact, either through repetition or through the creation of a new pathway — Which task should I do first when I arrive at my desk? Should I go on that coffee date or decline the invite?
When we call in great things, we often call in big questions.
How can we feel confident we’re moving in a good direction, taking aligned action, and staying true to our vision for our best selves in a centred and loving way?
How to move toward your higher good
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how my choices have moved me closer to (or farther away from) a more joyful and aligned life.
I’ve developed a check-in system to listen to my inner guidance and make good choices for myself. I invite you to use this system as a starting point to create your own.
The system brings together the beliefs and values that guide my life, and it helps me look out for myself while considering how my choices might impact others.
Part 1. Higher Good Vision Statement
I’ve drafted a few key vision statements to use as the foundation. I refer to them when I feel challenged or unsure of which action to take. They explain some of the things I need to be the best version of myself. I’m sharing my statements as a starting point and you may find your needs are different.
Sample Vision Statements:
I live a calm and joyful life, and I face inevitable challenges with grace and integrity.
I do not sacrifice myself, my truth, my identity, my talents, or my expression to survive.
I determine my own worth.
I maintain functional and loving relationships in all areas of my life, including friendship, romantic partners, colleagues, and family.
This vision for my life is not always easy to achieve.
In fact, there are moments when I do not feel calm or graceful, and days when I have to dig a bit deeper than usual to find my self-worth.
I use my vision statements to remind me of my intentions and help point me in a good direction.
If I notice a relationship might be at risk of becoming dysfunctional or unhealthy, I draw a gentle boundary to find balance again. If I feel like I might be sacrificing my values, I take a quiet time-out or add a few minutes to my daily meditation time.
Action: Write a vision statement for your higher good. Use the samples as a starting point.
Part 2. Higher Good Green Flags
Green flags are indicators that something is in alignment.
I use a checklist of questions to validate my choices and decisions. If the questions get a yes, then I feel more comfortable proceeding and taking action.
Higher Good Green Flags Checklist:
Does this serve my higher self?
Does this resonate at a soul & personal essence level?
Is it loving?
Is it respectful?
Does this contribute to me and provide appropriate value?
Does this make my life better?
Does this honour me and those around me?
Does this bring joy?
Is it calm and peaceful?
Is it a healthful and productive choice?
Is this generous and abundant?
Is this a pure heart desire?
Part 3. Higher Good Red Flags
Red flags are indicators that something is out of alignment.
At first glance, the red flags may read like a scavenger list of glaringly obvious poor life choices.
Upon reflection, I can easily look back and see many times throughout my life when I did not listen to these warning signals because they arrived in subtle ways. I stayed in unhealthy situations or walked straight into dangerous ones, often putting other people’s needs in front of my own safety, a side effect of self-abandonment.
If these questions receive a yes, then I do my best to pause and consider avoiding the choice or path of action.
Higher Good Red Flags Checklist:
Does this feel inauthentic?
Does this move me farther away from my goals and ambitions?
Does this make my life worse?
Is this disrespectful?
Is this selfish or does it promote poverty?
Is this hurtful?
Does this devalue me or others?
Does this feel joyless?
Does this take from me without an appropriate exchange?
Is this disruptive?
Is this hurtful?
Is this unhealthy?
Does this dishonour me?
Does this not meet me at a soul level?
Action: Write a list of green flags and red flags for your higher good. Use the samples as a starting point.
Putting it into action
Once I’ve made a choice, it’s up to me to follow through in real-time.
By setting my foundation and checking in with my choices as I go, I feel better and more joyful. I feel confident that my actions are taking me in a good direction and I find myself living a more authentic and aligned life.
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