Your Decision Making Guide

Your Key to Decision Making:

Finding Your Wise Mind

Many people think of themselves as either "good" or "bad" at making decisions, as if it's a fixed trait we're born with. At Green Leaf Psychology, we disagree! The truth is, decision-making is a skill you can develop and strengthen—just like any other!

States of Mind 

At Green Leaf Psychology, we use the "States of Mind" model developed by DBT pioneer Marsha Linehan. This powerful framework breaks down three distinct mental states:

💭 Analytical MindOur analytical mind lives in logic and reason. This is where we create pros and cons lists, weigh costs and benefits, and build step-by-step plans. It's constantly asking "What makes sense?" and searching for rational solutions.

❤️ Emotional Mind Our emotional mind also provides essential information. It connects us with our feelings and desires, revealing what feels good–and what doesn’t! This information tells us what we want to do, where we want to go, and what we want more–or less–of in our lives. 

🌱 Wise Mind This is where the magic happens—where our analytical and emotional minds work together in harmony. The Wise Mind combines the clarity of logic with the motivation of emotion, leading to decisions that feel both sound and satisfying.

Here's what most people miss: good decisions require both analytical and emotional input. Think of it this way: your emotional mind is like a compass, pointing you toward what you truly want, while your analytical mind is like a map, helping you plot the course to get there. Your wise mind is the skilled navigator who uses both tools to reach the destination!

Finding Your Balance

Get to know your decision making style and learn skills to find balance: 

Give it a Try

The next time you face a decision, try this simple exercise: 

1. Ask yourself:"What do I really want?"

2. Then ask:"What makes the most sense?"

3. Finally, listen for that quiet, balanced voice of your wise mind.

Teach Your Kids 

You know your kids better than anyone!! 

How do they make decisions? 

When your child faces a decision, celebrate the ways they use their Analytical Mind and/or their Emotional Mind! 

Then encourage them to be curious and consider the opposite perspective. Ask questions or draw it out!