Decisions, Decisions

How do you know which decision to make at any given time or situation? 

1. The most common way would be to make a decision solely thinking about security. For instance, you know the outcome if you make decision A as opposed to decision B, so decision A it is. Some of us prefer to live safe. 

2. Then there's the "either-decision-has-an-uncertain-conclusion" choice, which then one could weigh the pros and cons picking the best suited for them or simply wing it. 

3. There's the "choose the route that you're most comfortable with" choice. Ex: "If I try something once and it didnt work, I use the same method in hopes that the outcome will change". Which in fact is called:  

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." -Albert Einstein

4. There's the passive approach were maybe you're just hoping that the decision will miraculously make it itself or disappear.  For example: "I don't know how to deal with controversy, or rather not deal with it at all, so I just walk out of the room/relationship/situation". 

5. Then there's the least sought out way of making a decision. Doing exactly opposite of what you've been doing- since you realize that it is pointless to keep making the same choice without the intended result.

This is the hardest decision-making route to go, because 1. The unknown is always more intimidating. 2. What if it hurts worse than Decision A, which you're comfortable with. 3. What if it actually works?

Personally, I have tried these 5 types of decision-making and have finally come to the place in my life where I'm fed up with the outcome. I've tried to do it on my own, calling all the shots, but every time I'm back to square one. Why? Because I know that there is a grey area that doesn't exist in my own doing or way of thinking. Whenever I let go & let God, opportunities fly at me (the right ones), decisions are easier to make, and although there may be some intimidation, comfort is still there. 

1. Start off with prayer and let go. It seems scary but God only has the best for you. 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 

2. Is the decision a moral or non-moral? Moral decision making can be found in the Bible easier than non-moral, which are based on principles.

3. Be ready to accept the answer.

4. Obtain counsel.

5. Make a list and weigh decisions.

6. Act on your decision.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Every second of the day we are making decisions and important ones. With the limited 24hr deadline we are permitted each day, how you spend that time is crucial. We face trade-offs (in order to get one thing, you have to give up something else) and I think that is something that a huge portion of my generation doesn't fully understand. The statistics that show the amount of time spent on the internet, Facebook, twitter, pinterest, games, texting, watching TV, etc... doesn't look too good. There is less giving back and more taking. More loneliness, yet multiple avenues to communicate. It boggles my mind. There must be a way to utilize technology without loosing ourselves in it. A way to utilize our time more wisely to make better decisions as a community, generation, and country. 

I'm trying to start by using my talents to better others. Since everyone has their own special, God-given talents for a reason, why hide them? And from there, you can grow and nurture your talents while blessing and helping others on the way. Wake up in the morning with a plan. Make a routine that you want to see yourself doing forever.

For example: Wake up at 5am and pray (Jesus gets priority not leftovers), Work-out,  go to school/work/volunteer, take time on the weekends to explore different outdoor activities and enjoy nature (rather than man-made entertainment). Just do whatever that dream was that you once had. It all starts with a decision and how you're going to utilize that sweet, precious time that flies by too quickly. If not now, then when?

Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as though you were working for your real master and not merely for humans. Colossians 3:23

Choose wisely & live purposefully,

Helen