The Power of Choice

Each of us needs to make many decisions in our every day life. It may range from simple ones to very involved life changing choices. Here are some examples: 

• Where to go for dinner?
• What to eat today?
• What to wear to a party?
• Which dress to buy?
• Should I go to the movie today or should I use the time for study instead?
• Should I get up and exercise or catch some more sleep?
• What line should I opt for study?
• What career should I choose?
• Where do I invest my money?
• Is he the right one to be my life partner?

How do you tackle these daily choices? Do you get a nagging feeling after making a choice that there was a better option that you missed? There is no doubt that many of these decisions are vital in determining our long-term happiness. A good decision will have a positive impact while a wrong decision today will have serious consequences in the long run. It is like walking in a maze. The choice you make at every turn can move you closer to the exit or deeper inside the maze. 

If you are a youngster, do you depend on somebody else like parents, elder brother or sister to decide for you? Do you consult experienced people or do you tend to decide all by yourself? How do you involve those who would be impacted by your decision in the process?

Making a choice may look like a burden at times, but the reality is far from it. We humans have been given a unique gift - the ability to make a choice. In any situation, we do have a choice and we are responsible for the consequences of our choice. We can steer our life to a path of happiness and fulfillment by making right choices. According to Stephen Covey, this is a fundamental principle that always applies.

You may ask, "Is there a way I can make these decisions more effectively?" Try to follow this three step approach next time you have to make a decision, it will improve the quality of your decision and will make the process more fun.

Step 1

Gather all facts needed to make this decision. This may need more time for an important choice. It also includes available choices, opinion of others, possible impact on you and others. Do not go to step 2 till you have the necessary information. 

Step 2

Analyze the available facts and take the decision based on your judgment. Use your value system to arrive at the choice that seems right to you. Very often, if you have worked well on step 1, the right decision will pop up on its own like a cork from the bottle. 

Step 3

Once you have taken the decision, abandon all doubts about it and go about executing it with all your might. This is a vital step, since there is no point spending all this effort if you fail to implement the decision.

So what are you waiting for? Use the power of choice and make your decisions – before someone else decides for you.

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About this Post 
I wrote this post traveling in a bullet train (Thalys) to Paris. It was an amazing experience.