In your day-to-day work as a paramedic, you’re constantly making fast decisions under pressure. But when it comes to your career, those same decision-making muscles often freeze. The stakes feel higher. The road less clear.
This article is about building trust in your ability to choose well, even when you’re unsure of the outcome.
🌤️ Clarity Is a Practice ... Not a Moment
We often wait for that "aha" moment when the path will be obvious. But for most people, clarity comes after action, not before it.
You don’t need to see the whole staircase to take the first step. You just need to choose a direction aligned with who you're becoming.
Try this:
✔️ Instead of waiting for certainty, practice decision-making in low-stakes areas (e.g., trying a course or having a career conversation).
✅ The 80% Rule: When Is ‘Good Enough’ Enough?
Perfectionism can quietly sabotage progress. The 80% Rule asks: “Is this decision 80% aligned with what matters to me?” If yes, it’s time to move.
Try this:
✔️ Use a scale: 1–10, how aligned is this step with your values?
If it’s a 7 or higher, it might be time to test it.
Reflect:
🧪 Pilot Testing: Try Before You Decide
Not sure about a full career shift? Try a pilot version.
Talk to someone in the role. Volunteer. Audit a class. Shadow a different team.
Try this:
✔️ Commit to testing, not deciding.
Treat your next move like an experiment with a review date.
✍️ Write Your Decision Story
If you’re spiraling in doubt, shift the focus from outcome to intention.
Ask: If this move didn’t work out exactly as planned, would I still be proud I tried?
Try this:
✔️ Write your own narrative: “I made this decision because…”
• It reflects who I want to become
• I’m ready for new learning
• I’ve outgrown my current space
Let your why guide the how.
🔚 Final Thoughts
You’ve made critical decisions on shift with far less information.
This time, give yourself the same grace and trust.
➡️ You don’t need to be certain to move.
➡️ You just need to be honest about what matters ... and choose from there.
