Five tips on making big decisions

March 2, 2022

Early in 2022, I made the decision to walk away from my corporate career – a role in internal and external communications – and go “all in” on The Women’s Vault. For nine months, I ran The Women’s Vault as a “side hustle”, while my corporate job provided me with a stable income, holiday and sick pay and also fulfilment – I love what I do and I’ve done it for 15 years.

But juggling two full-time jobs, alongside having a young child, has been immensely stressful and challenging. Following many hours deliberating my options, I have decided to join the unstable, but exciting, realm of being a business owner (in the knowledge that one in five UK businesses fail).

I started The Women’s Vault as a passion project; I wanted to see how I could help women to be confident and to juggle motherhood with their careers, and whether I could help corporate companies support their female workforce better, too. Having experienced the immense benefits of flexible working, yet faced the challenges of both negotiating it and adapting to it, I recognised an opportunity to support women looking for change in their working lives through more flexibility.

I didn’t know if it would succeed or fail and I still don’t. Some days that’s really scary, I can tell you!

So having gone through the process of making a huge decision, as well as helping my clients with life-altering choices – such as applying for a new role, having another child, or changing careers – I thought it may help others if I shared a few tips on decision making.

Five things to do when you need to make a big decision:

Create as many options for yourself as possible, so that you have a “platter” of options. Brainstorm alternatives that you haven’t thought of. For example, you may be keen to change jobs, but are tied to a current role so you can receive mat leave pay – another option could be finding a new job and negotiating higher pay, therefore having a higher income over the entire year. Once you have multiple options, you are then in the strongest position to decide what’s best for you. If you only have limited options, you may be making a decision with scarcity and lack, instead of thinking with an abundant mindset. Read more about abundance mindsets here.
Be careful who you talk to. Often when we are making decisions, we want to talk to others about it: our family, friends, colleagues, a mentor… the list is endless. The problem is that everyone will give you their advice and won’t always be neutral; you can quickly become overwhelmed by differing views. Ultimately, you have to live with your decision and you want it to be the right one for you. See point 3.
Deep thinking time is crucial. Spend time on your own, go for walks outside in nature and don’t listen to music or podcasts. This deep thinking can’t be done in front of a computer or phone. Ask yourself questions like, “What’s important to me?”; “Is this decision in alignment with my values and purpose?”; “Am I trying to please anyone else with this decision?”; “Will this make me truly happy?”.
Give yourself a timeframe. Often we have to make a decision in a specific timeframe, such as accepting or declining a job, but other times we don’t have a set timeframe and it can drag on. In fact, I know people who have been sitting on big decisions for years, and once they make them, they feel much happier, lighter and that the weight of the world is off their shoulders. Set a timeframe and stick to it.
Listen to your gut. Your gut instinct will often tell you if you’re making the right decision, or the wrong one. If for some reason you’re hesitating, or holding back, then something isn’t quite right for you. If you’re going against your gut instinct and not listening to it, again you will have this “off” feeling in your stomach. When you’ve arrived at the right decision, you will feel incredibly calm, excited and possibly a bit nervous too!

Remember, if you’ve made a decision and a few months down the track it’s not the right one, then you can always go back to exploring other options. You don’t have to save face. If it’s not right, then it’s not right, and life’s too short not to be happy!

If you’re looking to make a big personal or career decision, from whether to take a promotion, change jobs/careers, to relocate with your work – then get in touch with me about the specific process that I can take you through to make the decision that you need to make. I have now helped many women to get unstuck and move forward with their lives, now having made a decision that they are happy with. This process usually takes 90mins and can be done via Zoom – that’s all we need and your decision will be made! You’ll feel lighter and happier – like a weight’s been lifted off your shoulders. If you’re interested to find out more, complete this form to do a complimentary taster session and I can share more about the process.

Follow me on Instagram for more daily advice, tips and guidance.

thewomensvault

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I recently shared an image on my Stories of writing my Imposter Syndrome script – cut up in lots of pieces and hand-scribbled notes everywhere.

According to one of Barack Obama’s speechwriters, they used to cut up and move around sections of his script until the structure was right. I was following the same process and it was liberating.

If you’ve got an upcoming speech or presentation, here are a few quick tips:

1. Start with your script, not your slides. Get clear on what you want to say first.

2. Know your message. What is the one message you want the audience to know/be left with. Get clear on this message as you are writing this script. Going for a walk helps too.

3. Spend the least amount of time on slides possible, rehearse instead.

4. Record yourself and watch it back. Yes it’s uncomfortable and at times painful, but you will learn A LOT.

Do you have other tips to add? What do you do to prepare for presentations?

‌#PresentingSkills #PresentationSkills #PresentationTips #PresentationSkillsTraining #KeepLearningKeepGrowing #newskillseveryday #growingthroughlife #failingislearning #youarecapable #CareerPlanning #CorporateWomen #9ToThrive #BusinessCoachForWomen #LeadershipTips #ConfidenceAtWork #CareerSuccess #ConfidenceAtWork

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The only productivity trick that’s needed to stop you working evenings.

Get rid of the biggest distraction.

Do you do this?

Will you give it a go today?

Olivia

#ProductivityTips #ProductivityCoach #ProductivityTools #ProductivityHack #JFDI #JustGetItDone #OneThingAtATime #WorkSmarter #MakeItHappenToday #CreateALifeyouLove #LifeOfAWorkingMum #MumInBusiness #WorkingMumLife #CorporateWomen #WomenInLeadership #hrmanager #seniormanager #leaderscreateleaders #leadersoftomorrow #UKBusinessWomen #CareerGuidance #careerplanning

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Is your biggest competitor your imposter?

Is she the one stopping you from getting where you need to be?

I`ve been doing a lot of work focusing in on helping clients dial down their imposter to find freedom and confidence.

And I`ve pulled together lots of the tips in a free download to help you overcome her.

Head to my bio and tap how strong is your imposter.
Olivia

#impostersyndrome #impostersyndromeisreal #comparisonfree #innercriticbegone #ComparisonFree #UKBusinessWomen #WomenInLeadership #WomeninLeadershipRoles #CorporateWomen #9ToThrive #BusinessCoachForWomen #WorkWomen #femaleceo
#WorkingMummas #MumsWhoHustle #MumsThatWork

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Do you struggle with imposter? If so you are not alone. And it is definitely more common than you think. 75% of women struggle.

Imposter feelings may make us doubt or question ourselves or you can have full-blown Imposter Syndrome where most days you wonder when you`ll be found out and asked to leave your job as luck only got you there, Time is spent wondering if you’re good enough.

I created the Imposter Syndrome quiz, to help you to understand how strong your Imposter is, along with some tips and tricks to help you and my story.

Get your quiz via the link in my bio.

Olivia

#impostersyndrome #impostersyndromeisreal #comparisonfree #innercriticbegone #ComparisonFree #FemaleFoundersCollective #WomenInLeadership #WomenInLeadershipRoles #CorporateWomen #9ToThrive #BusinessCoachForWomen #LeadershipTips #ConfidenceAtWork #CareerSuccess #ConfidenceAtWork #ValueYourselfFirst

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You see something, your imposter is triggered and along comes a big and almost traumatic dose of comparisonitis. Ugh.

Save these tips for when you next feel triggered comparing yourself to another.

No comparison. You are already perfect.

Olivia

#BeBraveBeYou #ConfidenceIsContagious #ShowUpStandOut #ConfidenceCreator #ConfidenceInsideOut #ConfidenceBuilding #BuildYourConfidence #WisdomWithin #impostersyndrome #impostersyndromeisreal#comparisonfree #innercriticbegone #ComparisonFree #comparisonitis #comparison #comparisonisthethiefofjoy #nocomparison #selfesteembuilding #StopComparingYourself #BeGentleWithYourself #CorporateWomen #BusinessCoachForWomen #LeadershipTips #ConfidenceAtWork #CareerSuccess #ConfidenceAtWork #WomenInBusinessUK

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Are you making these mistakes too when negotiating flexibility?
1. Not doing the right preparation ahead of your meeting. As I recently shared in an interview with The Telegraph`s Body & Soul magazine (link in bio), you`re not asking for a holiday.

Here`s the excerpt: “Remember that negotiating flexibility is effectively negotiating the terms of your contract — it’s not asking for a holiday — and so it does require some pre-conversation preparation,”

2. Doing your preparation for your conversation the night before. You may need to prepare a business case so allow for adequate time.

3. Not knowing if anyone else in your company or department does flexible working. Do you have proof? Industry sources help too.

4. Explaining how it benefits you, and not being able to articulate how it will benefit your company. Remember you`re going for a win:win here where both parties benefit.

5. Not articulating what flexible work you`d like to do clearly. So often I`ll meet with clients and their request has become complex and confusing. Keep it simple!

If you`ve negotiated flexibility, what would you add? Share your tips below ⬇️

Olivia x

Ps If you want help negotiating your flexible work, contact me about my template letter you can use and a one-off coaching session to help you prepare with confidence. It`ll save you so much time! Send me a DM for more.

#compressedworkweek #compressedworkschedule #condensedhours #flexibleworking #flexiblework #flexappeal #LifeOfAWorkingMum #MumInBusiness #WorkingMumLife #UKMums #MumsBossUK #HerBusiness #MotherhoodGoals #UKMumSquad #MoreThanAMum #CareerCoaching #CareerPath #GoAfterYourDreams #GroupCoaching #GetUnstuck #CareerGuidance #CareerPlanning

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A client winning personally and professionally. That`s exactly why The Women`s Vault exists. To help you beat your workplace barriers, build confidence and find balance.
Thanks Kerri for your words. I`m thrilled that you find yourself in a positive space.

Olivia

#CareerCoaching #CareerPath #GoAfterYourDreams #SettingIntentions #CareerJourney #BeBetterThanYesterday #GroupCoaching #GetUnstuck #CareerGuidance #CareerPlanning #FemaleFoundersCollective #WomenInLeadership #WomenInLeadershipRoles #CorporateWomen #9ToThrive #BusinessCoachForWomen #LeadershipTips #ConfidenceAtWork #CareerSuccess #ConfidenceAtWork #ValueYourselfFirst

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Life as a working mother is so intense. The juggle… it couldn`t be more real. But do you know, the gift to create the balance you need comes from within.
And it happens when you create boundaries.

At work and at home. Boundaries. To put yourself first. So that you can be the best version of yourself both at work and at home. Because a tired Mum reaching the edge of burnout is actually no good to anyone.

Put yourself first.

If you need more help on managing the juggle, the Working Mum`s toolkit could be just what is needed. I created it. To help you. It now contains over 30 tools & resources to help you balance family, work and you. With confidence tips, boundary setting, imposter fighting, burnout prevention, weekly schedule setting, wind down routines, mum guilt and much more.

It`s only £37.

Find out more via the link in my bio.

Olivia

#WomenSupportingOtherWomen #lifeofaworkingmum #mumguilt #mumguiltisreal #workingmumlife #workingmumsrock #workingmumslife #MotherToMother #MumToMum #MumsThatBoss #workfromhomemum #workfromhomeuk #bossladiesmindset #Workfromwherever #homeofficegoals #WorkLifeJuggle #WorkingMummas #MumsWhoHustle #MumsThatWork #JuggleStruggle #CantPourFromAnEmptyCup #LifeAsAMum #MotherhoodCaptured #MamaCoach #MentalLoadOfMotherhood #WorkingMummas

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Wellbeing and Motivation

Five tips on making big decisions

thewomensvault

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