“It doesn’t matter which side of the fence you get off on sometimes. What matters most is getting off. You cannot make progress without making decisions.” —Jim Rohn
Every day you make decisions from a small one like which dress to wear for the day to a big one like buying a house. Decisions affect your life tremendously. When you wear an appropriate dress you impress others and when you chose the right location for your house you make a good investment. Your decision making is influenced by the following factors:
1. Your mood: What is your mood? Your mood decides your emotion and your emotion affects your decision. When you are not in a good mood you will turn down your daughter’s request to take part in her school’s extra activities.
2. Physical condition: Are you under stress? Do you have a clear mind? Don’t make any important decisions until you have cleared your clutter in your mind and you are fully rested.
3. Available information: You may not decide wisely when pertinent information is not available or limited. It is necessary to investigate fully before a big decision like choosing a car or buying a house.
4. Consultation: Do you seek the view of an expert or getting a second opinion when a life-or-death decision has to be taken? To operate or not to operate? Consult and decide sensibly.
5. Support of family members: Are your family supportive of your decision? When your car is 15 years old and it is constantly giving you problems, I am sure all family members will agree to get a new one wholeheartedly.
6. Consideration: Take into account your present and your likely position in the future before arriving at a decision. Some of the things to consider are:
• Need or want: You decide to purchase a big-ticket item. Is it a need or a want? Your car is five years old and in tip-top condition and you want to change to a newer model. Is it a wise decision?
• Financial constraint: How does the decision impact you financially? Can you afford it? Our means are limited and we cannot satisfy all our desires.
What is your mood now? Are you in a position to make a critical decision?
I would like to add another dimension to the decision making process, that is to use the 'heart'. On matter relating to ourself, I agree we should use our brain more to anaylse before reaching a decision. However, when the matter relates to others (their requests, pleas etc.), especially our closed ones, I would suggest we weigh equally, if not more, using our 'heart' before making any decision. The reason is that any decision we make will affect/impact the friendship and relationship, and we should therfore be more 'generous' and 'accommodating' by listening to (involving) our 'heart' in the decision making.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your valuable input.
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