You're 16 years old and have just finished your O/L's – what subjects do you choose for your A/L's? You're invited to a party and have three great dresses - which one do you wear? You really want to get a job, but you've been accepted to university at the same time – what do you do? Whether it's a life-altering choice or a minor change in our daily routine, the decisions we make shape the direction of our lives.
The decisions people make depends on the kind of individuals they are, the circumstances in which they find themselves, and what they really want to achieve," says psychologist Sameeha Jalaldeen.
There may be times you find yourself in a dilemma, wondering what choice to make – many prospects seeming equally appealing, or one appearing more 'enjoyable' and the other more 'sensible.' External influences such as culture, religious beliefs and parental or peer pressure can influence the decision making process.
Sometimes, there may not be 'right' or 'wrong' decisions - only alternate ones. The important thing is that you are confident of and comfortable with the choice you are making.
- List your options. Write down the different alternatives that are available and gather as much information as you can about each one so that you can make an informed decision. Talk to people who have made similar decisions before, but recognise that what worked for them may not work for you. Seek advice from family and friends but know your own capabilities and understand what is important to you.
- Consider the pros and cons. By listing the positive and negative aspects of each option, the process should become clearer. Evaluate the decision, and imagine the possible outcomes. Think of what you want to achieve in the long run, and which option will bring you closer to your goal.
- Sleep on it. Literally. Research shows that we make better decisions when our subconscious mind has collaborated with our conscious minds. Take a few days off to relax and let your inner self do the thinking.
- Have a deadline. Often, we make the mistake of thinking that, with a little more information, we can make the 'right' decision. We hover in limbo, waiting for a miracle to show us the way. Remember that no decision is perfect, and every choice will have some negative aspects to it as well. Giving yourself a deadline enables you to move from uncertainty towards your ultimate objective.
- Murder the alternatives. Once you've made your decision, stop second-guessing yourself. Trust in the research and intuition that led you make the decision you did and remember that if new information comes to light, challenging your initial decision, you can always change your course.
- Ultimately, it's about what drives you," points out Ms. Jalaldeen, "the decisions you make should be based on what you want most out of life."
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