I weighed the pros and cons, and pros won out by a fair margin. Yet, it's a difficult and unexpected decision, a decision I wish I didn't have to make.
There are many crossroads in life when people have to make difficult decisions. I've heard friends describe difficult decisions related to relationships, jobs, lifestyles and more. Honestly, It is almost easier to face a difficult decision yourself than to watch a loved one encounter a similar hard choice.
I remember years ago when a loved one faced a difficult decision. I offered lots of support. I actually wasn't worried as I knew things would eventually work out for this person given his skills, attitude, and personality. Things did work out, but while he was making the decision, it wasn't easy.
The best you can do when difficult decisions come your way is to take a systematic, thoughtful approach using the steps below.
There are many crossroads in life when people have to make difficult decisions. I've heard friends describe difficult decisions related to relationships, jobs, lifestyles and more. Honestly, It is almost easier to face a difficult decision yourself than to watch a loved one encounter a similar hard choice.
I remember years ago when a loved one faced a difficult decision. I offered lots of support. I actually wasn't worried as I knew things would eventually work out for this person given his skills, attitude, and personality. Things did work out, but while he was making the decision, it wasn't easy.
The best you can do when difficult decisions come your way is to take a systematic, thoughtful approach using the steps below.
- Take the long view. It may sound morbid, but one question you can ask yourself is this: At the end of my life, when I'm assessing all that I did and didn't do, how will I feel about this decision. This critical question is a good one to ask as it tends to give the question a holistic perspective that basically says, when all is said and done, will this decision be a positive one.
- Make the pros and cons list. Why is this decision a good one, and why is this decision a bad one. Be inclusive with the list--take time to think about all the aspects of life the decision will impact.
- Consult your loved ones and other experts, and do your research. Study the decision. What have others done in similar situations, and what worked in their favor.
- Don't be hasty and let logic rule. Sometimes we can let emotions make a big decision and negate logic, but everyone knows that big decisions while informed by emotion are best made with logic.
So today, I'll follow my own advice with a decision I have to make. I'll resist the temptation to let emotion rule, and take a logical, systematic approach to the decision. Time will tell what I decide.