If someone asked me a single skill I think is most helpful in these challenging days, it would be this: being able to decide and make good decisions.
Why? Because being able to make wise and informed decisions is the basis of our lives. We might not think about it often, if at all, but life consists of a series of decisions. You decided to read this article rather than do something else. You chose what to eat at breakfast after deciding what time you would start your day. Even when you refuse to decide, you’re deciding not to decide.
For instance, people who couldn’t decide who to vote for in the last presidential race so didn’t vote at all now regret they were part of the reason an unstable, unqualified man will once again be the leader of the free world. Once you start thinking about it, I think you’ll agree the whole making-a-decision thing becomes pretty important.
Are you good with making decisions? Are you a fast decider or do you take your time reaching a conclusion about a decision? Or do you avoid making decisions putting them off as long as possible? Most of our decisions have become pretty routine by now and don’t require a lot of depth from us. Others, however, can be life-transforming and need a bit more attention than the “what will I have for breakfast variety.” Here’s a few tips for making the larger decisions in your life.
1. Get as many facts as possible before making big decisions. Don’t put all your trust in Facebook, X, Threads, or articles on the internet. Each of those could offer some input for your consideration. However, what’s most important is to seek out as much factual data from unbiased, independent, sources as possible. In today’s world, how do we know if something is true or not? Consider the source offering the information and then check it with as many independent resources as you can find. Of course, it’s important to listen to your intuition and inner guidance while checking data in the physical world.
2. Once you have the information you need, weigh the pros and cons of your decision. I prefer to do this by making a list on physical paper. I know: old fashioned, isn’t it? Having this in front of me physically makes it easier for me to see the various ways my decision might affect me and other life choices I might make. Once you’re certain about your decision, move to number three.
3. Make your decision and stick with it unless it becomes very clear you need to move in some other direction. One of the biggest mistakes people make is giving up on a decision too soon. You researched and you made a conscious choice - now give it a chance to work for you. If it isn’t working, go back to step one.
Over the next few years, we will be facing a lot of important decisions. Some of them will have life-altering consequences. Using these three tips might make the difference between moving forward happily or being stuck and miserable. Move the dial a little more in a positive direction by being a good decision-maker.
By the way, a number of people are enjoying their 2025 Living in Grace and Ease Wall Calendar. If you don’t have yours, you can order it here.
Blessings,
Krysta
Thanks for this! I've been rewarded so many times for doing a little research before making a decision. I figure you can either jump on the train the moment you see it, or do a little research to make sure that when you do jump on, you're on the right train.
I've been working with "time" lately, so naturally I see "time" in almost everything. To decide often feels bound to linear time implying an analysis of alternatives within a structured process. When we decide, we metaphorically "cut off" other options. Decision-making leans on a process strung tight along a linear frame. The past informs the future through a perception of sequences. On the other hand, choice slips through logic as if it exists purely in the moment. Instinctive. Inevitable. "To decide" sounds like effort wrapped in a construct of causes and effects. "To choose" seems spontaneous as if choice simply arises; implying ownership as a function of present time. We can act from of a sequence of determined causes, or from a place of possibility. That's a choice we have.