Step-by-Step Plan: Using Gestalt Principles for Life Choices and Decisions
Gestalt psychology offers valuable insights into how we perceive and experience the world around us. Applying these principles to your life choices and decisions can bring greater clarity, confidence, and fulfillment. Here’s a step-by-step plan to get you started:
1. Awareness of the “Figure-Ground”:
- Identify the dilemma: Start by clearly defining the current decision you’re facing. What career path to choose? Whether to commit to a relationship? Isolate the central “figure” of your predicament from its surrounding “ground” (external influences, expectations, etc.).
- Recognise your needs and values: Identify what truly matters to you in this situation. Are you seeking stability, adventure, growth, passion? Recognising your core needs and values helps you assess how each potential choice aligns with your inner landscape.
2. Embrace “Holism”:
- Gather information: Don’t limit yourself to the immediate choice. Consider the bigger picture – your life goals, aspirations, and long-term vision. Research various options, seek advice from trusted sources, and gather information that feeds your understanding of the broader context.
- Acknowledge all aspects of yourself: Recognise that your decision might involve different parts of your personality or “subpersonalities.” The adventurous seeker might clash with the cautious planner within. Acknowledge these internal voices and find ways to harmonise them for a balanced decision.
3. Seek “Closure”:
- Explore consequences: Visualise the potential outcomes of each choice. How would each feel in the long run? Imagine yourself living with the consequences five years down the line. This helps you identify which path offers the most fulfilling “closure” to the current dilemma.
- Take responsibility: Ultimately, the decision rests with you. Don’t blame external factors or circumstances. Accepting ownership empowers you to choose and move forward with confidence.
4. Maintain “Flexibility”:
- Life is dynamic: Remember, no choice is irreversible. Life presents opportunities to revisit and course-correct. Embrace flexibility and adaptability to navigate unforeseen circumstances and adjust your direction when needed.
- Learn from experience: Reflect on your past choices, analysing both successes and challenges. Learning from these experiences equips you with better-informed decision-making skills for the future.
5. Trust your “Aha! Moment”:
- Pay attention to intuition: While gathering information and analysing options is crucial, don’t neglect your gut feeling. A sudden flash of clarity, a sense of rightness, or a feeling of alignment with your values can be powerful indicators of the best path.
- Make the leap: When you reach a point of genuine conviction, trust your internal compass and make the decision. Don’t overthink it; take action with confidence and embrace the journey that unfolds.
By applying these Gestalt principles, you can approach life choices with greater awareness, self-understanding, and a sense of direction. Remember, the right decision isn’t always the “perfect” one, but the one that resonates most strongly with your whole being and propels you toward a fulfilling life.
Bonus tip: As you navigate your decision-making process, consider keeping a journal to document your thoughts, feelings, and insights. This can be a valuable tool for staying present, clarifying your priorities, and tracking your progress towards a fulfilling choice.
