Big Decisions

I know we all like to think that we are in charge of our destiny. We get somewhere based on the choices WE made. This breeds ownership which I like, but can also end in a self confidence dive if the decision doesn't net the intended result. So I ask you...Do YOU make the decision or is there more to it?

I would lobby for the more to it perspective. Think about the last big decision you made. Did you just make the decision and move on or was there a process you followed? For instance some may make a pro/con list, others will pray for a solution or path to be shown to them and still others will want someone to make the decision for them, not wanting to make such a decision.

I say there are elements of all of the above in a big decision. Let's go back to elementary school when they teach you about science and how to come to a logical or correct answer to a problem. First you learn about a hypothesis and then you go about proving that hypothesis true or false. Decision making is much the same. A question is presented and then the decision maker must gather evidence that will lead to a decision or conclusion for the question. This is neither good or bad, but a result.

This leads to the next science lesson for every action there is a reaction. Once this decision is made there will be some set of consequences. Good or bad is determined based on the choice that is made.

When you break it down like that it seems like no decision is a big one, but that is simply not the case. Every major decision requires an evaluation of the current situation you are in and what impact the decision you are trying to make will have on your life. How can any one person have all the answers? They can't that is the issue. So what do we do?

Well, for me I consult people far wiser than me, or at least whose opinion I value on the subject. I pray that a path is opened up, in addition I pray that I am open to seeing that path once it is presented and lastly I reflect on decisions I have made before and determine what I can learn for those experiences. This process can take hours or days depending on the complexity of the decision.

What about emotion? I am an emotional person, but I do try to remove emotion as much as possible for big decisions. Break it down to the brass tax, what is the crux of the situation and what are the impacts of each possible decision. Weigh the good and the bad, then ask for someone who is honest and as objective as possible to get a neutral position. Pray about what or where is the right direction to go. Then with all the information you can make an informed and hopefully beneficial decision.