We make decisions everyday of our lives. What to eat for dinner, where to go for holidays or what dress to wear for a party, are some of the easy decisions we make. Whereas what career to choose, or where to study, are some of the hard decisions we are faced with.

We need to decide wisely because these tough decisions play a big part in shaping our life and need to be given due consideration before making them, otherwise one could end up with regrets.

How one makes such decisions is the key to a successful and fulfilling life, so below are some of the ways to go about it.

Level of importance: First, try to understand the importance of that decision in your life. Determine what will happen if you make a wrong choice. Understanding what that outcome means to you will help you make the right decision.

Consider all your options: Think about what options you have at hand. All options may seem equally important and, hence, making the decision tough for you. But analyse which one is best for you and why it is so.

Weigh the pros and cons: List down the advantages and disadvantages of the situation at hand. For example, if the decision is regarding which college to choose, list the pros and cons of each college, and then decide the college which is more suitable for you in the long run. It is one of the effective ways of making a decision.

Don’t panic: Deciding something important can be stressful. Do not panic, as it may lead you to make the wrong decision. Thus, calm yourselves and then decide.

Take time: There are some decisions that you have to make within seconds and some in days. So, take the time that you have at hand and use it wisely. Never decide in haste.

Consult: The uncertainty and the fear of making a wrong decision may make it hard for you to decide. You may find yourself confused. So, seek advice from your friends and family regarding your options. They know you better and might be able to give you a better insight into your dilemma. And, the best part, they have your interest at heart and want to see you doing well.

Don’t give in: Having the pressure to decide and making it right is quite stressful. But the key to the right decision is not to cave into that pressure. You have to realise that the decision is yours and you will have to live with it, so think it over rationally and then decide.

Follow your heart: Don’t give in to outside pressure. Decide what you think is best for yourself and do what you want to do, not what others want you to do. Listen what others have to say, but follow your heart.

Learn from your decisions: You should always ponder on your past decisions to realise which of them were right and why. Learn from it and use it to make wise decisions.

We make decisions at every step of our life. Some are tough, and some are not. Some had no scope of being wrong. No matter how hard they are, we should try and learn to make the right decision for ourselves.

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 3rd, 2021