Sunday, September 26, 2010

Yes, No, then again Maybe

Life is about choices. We make our decisions based on the choices that are made available to us. It can be as mundane as what color suits you or even profound like if he or she is the one for you. Of course there are times when necessary risks must be made, no matter how calculated they may seem to appear, in order to move forward, to get ahead. What makes you decide? Perhaps I should pose the question more appropriately by asking what factors or issues do you address when you decide upon a choice, especially one that will have a considerable effect in your life. First, some rundown on the basics.There are two ends of a spectrum which compels us to act on or respond to a given stimuli. Those that inflict pain and those that yield pleasure. We tend to veer away from the former and  aim towards the latter. Some of our indecisiveness is due to the fact that we have a rather vague grasp on our choices. We take risks which we often call leaps of faith and ask lady luck to deal us a winning hand.Of course you know that we are about 50% right in our choices with all things considered being even.But asking to make a choice is like being asked a question and how well you answer that depends on your knowledge on the subject in question. What you need to reflect on is how will your priorities change or more importantly how will they be affected when you choose to decide upon a choice over another. For example, you had a rather large promotion at work but it would mean you would have to do more traveling or even move out to a different locale. Of course you would either move your family with you if you are married or leave them behind and hope you would find the time to see them as often as your work would permit. Do you see what I mean?

Before you make a BIG decision in your life try to see the outcome from all possible angles first. How will this have and effect on you and the people you are with? As before, some questions need to be addressed. Write these down and on a point system answer each question and rate your answers 1-10, 10 being the best gauge that you are absolutely right and 5 meaning you are not really sure what the outcome will be. Of course below the halfway point means you aren't giving the right answers altogether.

What will I need to give up or compromise should I choose to decide?

How will my life change? Is it for the better? Or will I have to put in more effort only to gain very little?

What will I lose if I decide?

How will the people I love be affected should I decide?

Do I really NEED this?

If I were to decide what would be the long term effect of my decision?

Well, as you see, we got most of our bases covered. The purpose of this exercise is to train ourselves to be more aware of the decisions we make in life. Often times we jump into something without thinking of the possible outcome(s). Intelligent decision making is the key, based on information that is correct and precise. I mean be honest, do you want to go through life deciding on this and that with nothing more than your "gut feelings" or would you rather be sure and secure in your choices? Lastly don't rush into anything. Something can be said about thinking things through and weighing them for what they are worth and what they mean to you. Don't take anything for granted and never take the easy way out. Careful planning says tons about your character and drive to persevere. Live with the decisions you make and try to eliminate regrets from any equation. Until our next post then....remember, don't be afraid to learn something new everyday. You'll be glad to expand your horizons as more choices present themselves to you. Thank you for your time. 

No comments:

Post a Comment