Monday Story: The Art of Making Difficult Decisions

Building upon our recent Monday stories about the power of small steps and the resilience gained through patience, today, let’s explore the art of making tough decisions.
Life often presents us with a myriad of choices, from the everyday ones like selecting our meals to the life-altering decisions such as switching careers, ending a relationship, or relocating to a new place. The ability to make decisions, especially the hard ones, is a crucial skill in our life’s journey.
But how do you go about it? What steps should you follow? Here’s a roadmap that can guide you through the process of making difficult decisions:

1. Define the Problem: Before you can solve a problem, you must understand what it is. Define the issue at hand as clearly as possible. What’s the decision you need to make, and why is it difficult? Identifying the problem is the first step to finding a solution.
2. Gather Information and Seek Advice: Once you’ve defined the problem, gather all the relevant
   information. Research, talk to people who have faced similar situations, and learn as much as you can about the options available to you. The more informed you are, the better your decision will be. Additionally, don’t be afraid to seek advice from trusted friends, family, mentors, or professionals. Others’ perspectives can provide insights and alternative viewpoints that you might not have considered.
3. Identify Your Values: Your values and principles are your compass in life. Consider what’s most
   important to you in this situation. How do your values align with each option? Understanding your values can help you make decisions that resonate with who you are.
4. Weigh the Pros and Cons: For each option, list the potential advantages and disadvantages. Consider the short-term and long-term consequences. This can help you evaluate the impact of your decision.
5. Give It Time: Impulsive decisions, especially in the face of difficulty, might not be the best ones. Take
   your time to think things over. Give your mind the space to process the information and emotions involved.
6. Trust Your Intuition: Sometimes, your gut feeling can be a powerful guide. If an option feels right in
   your heart, it might be worth considering. Our intuition often aligns with our subconscious understanding of a situation.
7. Make the Decision: After careful consideration, make the choice that aligns best with your values and
   goals. Remember that no decision is entirely risk-free. What’s important is that it feels right for you at this moment.
8. Accept Uncertainty: Not all decisions come with a clear path or guaranteed outcomes. Sometimes you must accept uncertainty and understand that life is full of surprises. Flexibility and adaptability are valuable qualities.
9. Learn from the Outcome: Once you’ve made your decision, embrace the outcome, whatever it may be. Whether it leads to success or failure, view it as a learning experience. Understand what worked and what didn’t and use this knowledge to make future decisions.
   
   Decisions, especially the tough ones, are an inevitable part of life. They shape our journeys and define who we become. Remember, it’s okay to be uncertain and to seek guidance. What’s most important is that you face these decisions with courage and a willingness to learn and grow. Like the path of small steps and the patience of the redwoods, making difficult decisions is an art you can master on your journey.

DR. DAVID W. WACHIRA, PHD
4 47 BROADWAY, 2ND FLOOR SUITE #1995, NEW YORK, NY 10013, USA
PHONE +1-254-718-6281 • WACHIRA@WAYAPAY.COM