How do YOU make a decision?

[jbowyer01]

Quote:
This is what I do. It helps me see the good and bad. Praying helps keep me calm lol.

 

[vfem]

Well, the local bar gets sick of seeing me....


but seriously, I try to take at least 1 day or maybe 2 to find a spot away from family and.or friends and turn my phone off. I like visiting wilmington, NC and sitting on the beach. Its only 2 hours from here, and the drive time is a nice bonus.

 

[ducks4you]

Ditto, what redhead said. Usually life-changing decisions involve another person or other people. You will know that you are hearing from the Lord when you make a decision that blesses others. And, what we do in secret, is rewarded by the Lord openly.
Often MY life-changing decisions have involved sacrifice of self to give to another, and I knew that I was right. We serve each other, (But not for breakfast--that's what the birds are for!

) I'll be praying for you and your decision.

 

[MagsC]

I make a list of pros and cons as well. I rarely make a snap decision, have to think it over a while.

 

[ChickenToes]

For me, every big decision is made after I think about it for awhile, then discuss it with my husband. No huge decisions get made without a sit-down discussion between the two of us.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

When I was younger, I'd ask my parents for advice and support.

Now, I wouldn't make a big decision without first talking it over with my husband.

I guess it depends on what the decision is...you really need to go through the pros and cons and think of the risks involved, and what you're willing to give up if the change doesn't work out the way you hoped it would.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

I try to think what I an the other people involved would think of said decision in 20 years time.

 

[Rosalind]

1. Research and check all available facts. Look for real statistics if possible: What happened to most other folks, will likely also happen to me. I'm not exceptional.

2. Are there any distinguishable patterns? That is, does this situation resemble another situation that could be used for comparison?

3. What are all the likely outcomes? If I choose X, what will happen? If I choose Y, what will happen then? What other choices might there be that I'm not thinking of? Make sure all options are on the table. Try to think ahead several steps. Example: If I choose one research area for graduate studies, what will happen if it becomes unfashionable in 15 years? Might there be another choice that would allow more flexibility? I tend to choose things that leave the maximum number of options open, whenever possible.

4. If the choice that seems best now suddenly goes bad in a hurry, how can I un-do it? Most choices, no matter how irreversible they seem at the time, can be un-done. The only real exception is having kids, you're stuck with those for life. There should be an exit strategy that is feasible and that I could carry out.

5. Consult any experts: lawyers, financial advisers, doctors, etc.

Usually in that order. Experts are expensive, I don't like to go to them without some very clear ideas. The big mistake I have seen many folks make (including me) is the "it won't happen to me" fallacy--they reckon that they are special and that even though everyone else fell to their deaths when walking on the cliff edge, somehow they will be OK. Then they are shocked, shocked! that they are lying on the rocks with broken bones. Particularly if obtaining a thing you want involves a "tournament" model to achieve it, or that is extremely competitive, for example playing sports: most college sport players will not become major leaguers, so they need to have a backup plan for a job post-graduation. Yet I used to see quite a few kids in college who felt that since (sport of choice) had gotten them a full scholarship and other amenities, therefore they did not need to study.

I believe it is a very good thing to think about decisions long and hard before making them--too many people do not think at all, and then expect you to feel sorry for them when everything goes to heck. Just my opinion.

 

[Penturner]

I pray about it. When I pray I do it with an expectation that I will receive an answer. In actual practice I usually get several. I then pretty much keep my eyes open for what I call open doors. Basically paths that I believe God has placed before me. No one is particularly better than any other, all are a choice. I then choose a direction and follow it always keeping my goal in mind while dealing with the individual particulars. if I am not moving in the direction I desire to be heading in I will pray again etc, etc etc. Sometimes my prayers are about my desires being adjusted sometimes it is simply seeking to be able to see what my options are or what I am supposed to do with what is before me, that sort of thing. It is all very much a day by day moment by moment interaction that is going on for me. So I guess my real answer is. I make life changing decisions by turning it over to someone that is better at it than I am. But I mean I really do turn it over so I have had to learn how to listen for the answer. I have found that one thing God always does in every thing. I know Him more trust Him more and am closer to Him after every decision. He seems to be more interested in Him and I than He is the problems. But it is pretty cool to have a feeling developing in me that all these all so important life changing things are not all that big a deal to Him. I'm going through it pretty hard right now and He has me hatching eggs. Seems to be working also.