The sooner we figure out that everything we do has consequences, the sooner we learn to make the choices that have the consequences that we want. Learning how to make good decisions is one of the most important tasks that
The sooner we figure out that everything we do has consequences, the sooner we learn to make the choices that have the consequences that we want. Learning how to make good decisions is one of the most important tasks that a person must master to live a meaningful life. It takes a little practice, but if we really work on it, we’ll probably make a good choice, even if it isn’t perfect.
Critical thinking is important in making good decisions. It means that we have to question our choices, analyzing and evaluating the information we’ve gathered.
Here are some guidelines for making good choices:
• Start in a peaceful place away from distractions and interruptions, if you can. Don’t try to make decisions if you are feeling very emotional. Strong emotions trump cognition. Strong emotions actually produce hormones in our bodies that prevent our clearest thinking. Especially don’t make decisions when you are very angry.
Sadly, the madder you are, the dumber you get, until the point where you flip out and can’t remember what you were thinking at all. This is a scientific fact.
• Get clear on what you truly want. A good decision or a good choice begins with honestly knowing what you want to accomplish by making the decision. What is the goal?
• List the factors that you need to consider. For example if it is to buy a car, you might consider cost, dependability, appearance and comfort. If you can’t find a car available with all of those factors, you’ll have to decide which are the most important factors to consider. Making a list helps.
• Consult a mentor, or someone who knows something about your subject. Ask the questions you have about the subject. Don’t be shy. It’s respectful and flattering to be asked to be a kind of “expert” about something, and most people want to share their knowledge and help others.
• Try to remember the consequences of similar decisions made by you or others.
• Brainstorm possible choices. You’ve done your research; now, just let your right brain come up with free choices. Don’t judge them initially. Sometimes a seemingly weird choice triggers your mind to come up with a good choice.
• Choose your best choices, and examine them critically (analyze, evaluate).
• If you have the time, sleep on it. There are studies that state that our subconscious holds much more information than we can possibly imagine. It can figure things out for us. If we direct it to help us come up with the best decision, we just might get one. At the very least, think about something else for awhile and see if you get a good hunch. Trust your intuition and your hunches, but back them up with that critical thinking.
• Imagine holistically what will happen if you make each decision. Since we are affected by things mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially, it means is that you need to consider all of these aspects of your decision. If I’m offered a job, will I be mentally capable and challenged by it? Will I feel emotionally safe? Are the hours and tasks compatible with my physical abilities and needs? Is it a job that is respectful to me and my beliefs? Will the hours allow me to fulfill my social obligations at home or school? Will the job be something that I, my friends and family will be proud of?
• Now, if the decision gets narrowed down to two or three equally good choices, ask yourself, “Which one makes me feel the happiest? Which one makes me feel the least stress?” That’s the one.
If you’ve made a decision that didn’t work out for you very well, make sure you figure out what the consequences were that you didn’t like and choose again.
The more you make decisions, the easier it becomes to make decisions. You get experienced. You begin to understand how the world works.
There is one choice you can make that will help you wherever you go: “Treat others as you want to be treated.” When you are the new person at a job or school, people will watch you. If you follow that rule, you’ll have a better chance at success than if you try to create drama somewhere or act like you know everything when it’s impossible to. Ask questions about what you don’t understand. Your associates will actually appreciate not having to undo one of your mistakes. Now, hopefully, you can have a little confidence about making choices and maybe even have a little fun with it.
• The ‘In Your Corner’ team comprises the leadership of the island’s government, court, police, education, family and social services communities. Contact Annaleah Atkinson with your questions or comments at aatkinson@haleopio.org.
