Problematic Decision Is What You Get When You Rush In Like A Fool
Table of Contents Show
Ever had that heavy feeling in the pit of your stomach? Like when you stayed up all night playing that awesome video game, knowing you had a big test the next day? Ugh, the struggle was real!
We've all been in such situations when we can’t put down that book late at night or turn off that favorite TV series, watching one more episode until it’s so late we can't keep our eyes open. Work or school the next day becomes a nightmare.
Making a snappy urgent decision at the moment even when our gut was warning us and facing a lot of trouble later as a consequence.
Problematic Decision
Let's discuss these problematic decisions, from the tiny ones to the big ones, and how we can avoid falling down this destructive path of making problematic decisions. As the famous Indian-American author Deepak Chopra says:
“Take responsibility for your last bad decision, and then let it go. Don’t blame others or make excuses for yourself. ”
So get ready to learn to make awesome decisions, from the daily choices to the ones that have the potential to make a big impact, discovering proven strategies and tips in our guide.
A. What are Decisions?
Think about your day so far. Did you choose to sleep in a little longer, even though you knew you had to catch the bus? Or maybe you decided to spend some extra time practicing your favorite song on the guitar for the school musical before heading to school? These are all decisions!
Every day, we make tons of choices, picking some options while discarding others. A decision is simply choosing one thing over the other. It might be something as simple as choosing which shoes to wear, or wearing your favorite superhero socks, even if they don't quite match your outfit), or something bigger, like deciding what sport to try for the first time.
However, every choice counts! This is because every action has a consequence that can affect you positively or negatively. Think about this. Your passion lies in art and creativity. But your parents and siblings are doctors. You’re unsure whether to fulfill their expectations or pursue your interests. Maybe you give in to the pressure and choose medicine but your heart isn't in it. Even if you become a successful doctor, life seems like a burden, going to work every day depletes your energy and your soul feels like it's being sucked out. It doesn't matter if you have a stable income and no other big problems in your life - you’re just not happy and don't feel alive.
Now take it back a few years. What if you hadn’t given in to the pressure or cared about making more money? What if you had chosen art as your main field, painted your heart out, or created masterpieces that fed your soul? Making timely decisions can impact your entire life. Now you’re faced with an even more problematic decision of whether to continue in this career or begin a new one later in life. Or you could just continue as it is regardless of the impact it's having on you.
Let’s also look at an example of a smaller decision. So you stayed up and played video games all night because you were on a winning streak. Woke up late, feeling sleepy and foggy, and not being prepared for your math test. As expected, you bomb the test. So what? It’s only one test, right? Your grade goes down and you miss a shot at getting admission into the university you wanted. All decisions, no matter how small, have consequences. That’s why it's important to learn from your mistakes and make better decisions the next time.
Nelson Mandela, the famous leader, once said:
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”
Decisions can be a learning experience; the good news is that we can learn to make smarter choices!
B. Not-So-Great Choices: What are Problematic Decisions?
Sometimes the choices we make don't quite work out the way we planned. These are what we can call problematic decisions. Imagine you're running a little late and decide to grab a quick bite on the way to work instead of packing a lunch. While it seems convenient then, that fast food can add up over time, hurting your wallet and your health. These unexpected consequences can be harmful in the long term.
What Are Problematic Decisions
While we make many split-second decisions daily, have you ever thought of how those choices may affect more than you? One small problematic decision such as eating unhealthy food can have a larger impact. Our bodies are not invincible.
That’s why maintaining your health with a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle ensures fewer medical problems in the future. However, during a high-pressure work deadline, eating healthy seems inconsequential. Closing that deal, making those reports, and preparing the campaign seem more important than taking care of your physical and mental health. After all, your career and your business growth depend on it.
Say you land the client, get even busier, or get a promotion that comes with an even more hectic schedule and continue down the path of neglecting everything but your career.
All the money in the world cannot bring back your health. It can also buy medicine and hospital bills, and there’s only so much it can give back to you. The Canadian author Catherine Pulsifer explains this perfectly in these simple words:
“Life presents many choices, the choices we make determine our future”
C. Rushing In: Don't Be Hasty Hare! Why Rushing Makes Problematic Decisions?
Have you ever been so excited about something that you just dove right in, without thinking it through? Maybe it was a new game at the arcade, or a chance to join your friends on a bike ride – whatever it was, you were so pumped you didn't stop to consider all the options. This is what happens when we rush into decisions!
Rushing Leads To Problematic Decisions
Think about that time you decided to wear your favorite sneakers to school, even though it was raining outside. They might be super cool, but leather shoes probably wouldn't get soaked through as easily, right? Rushing into decisions, especially when feeling excited or pressured (like that fear of missing out, or FOMO, on all the fun with your friends) can lead to choices we might later regret.
Here's the thing: FOMO can be a real pain. You see your friends doing something awesome, and you just gotta be a part of it, right? But sometimes, slowing down for a second and thinking things through can save you from a soggy mess (or worse!). Maybe your friends wouldn't mind waiting a few minutes for you to change into some rain boots, or maybe you could all grab some delicious hot chocolate after the ride to warm up!
D. Ignoring Uh Oh, Rain or Shine? Why Ignoring Facts Lead to Problematic Decisions?
The basis of every sound decision is gathering information. If you have enough information, you can combine it with logic and intuition to make insightful choices. For example, you wake up, peek out the window, and the sky looks clear. Perfect weather for a hike, right? Except, maybe you didn't check the weather forecast, or maybe you just hoped for the best. Suddenly, you're caught in a downpour, soaked to the bone and wishing you'd brought rain gear.
Ignoring Facts Lead To Problematic Decisions
This is a classic example of how ignoring information can lead to problematic decisions. Just like that surprise rain shower, failing to consider all the facts before making a choice can leave you feeling a little worse for wear.
While all decision making errors can cause problems, ignoring information is arguably the most problematic. Unlike rushing into a choice due to excitement, or making an emotional decision that can be rectified with an apology, ignoring facts sets you up for potentially bigger issues. Without considering all the available information, you're essentially flying blind.
This can lead to missed opportunities, wasted resources, or even danger depending on the situation. For example, ignoring weather warnings before a hike could land you in a dangerous storm while overlooking instructions when building furniture might result in a collapsed bookshelf, which could potentially hurt you or someone else. By contrast, taking a moment to gather information allows you to make well-rounded choices and avoid these potential pitfalls.
In 1924, Erskine, an Everest climber, and his team attempted to summit Mount Everest without oxygen tanks, despite warnings from experienced climbers about the dangers of altitude sickness. Sadly, Erskine and two other climbers perished on the mountain, a tragedy that could have potentially been avoided by considering all the available information and taking proper precautions.
Remember, knowledge is power! Taking the time to gather information, whether it's checking the weather report, reading online reviews before buying a new gadget, or even asking your parents for advice, can make a huge difference. The wise words of Benjamin Franklin come to mind:
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
The more you know, the better equipped you are to make smart choices that won't leave you feeling like you got dumped in a puddle!
E. Feeling Angry or Excited? Take a Deep Breath Before You Decide!
We all experience strong emotions – anger, excitement, even frustration. Sometimes, those feelings can be so powerful, they cloud our judgment and lead us to make choices we might later regret.
Say you're playing a game with your friend and things get a little competitive. You might get so frustrated with a close call that you blurt out something hurtful. Ouch! In the heat of the moment, it's easy to forget about the other person's feelings. This is why taking a deep breath and calming down before reacting is super important.
Here's another scenario: you just received some amazing news – you aced that test you were worried about! Feeling so excited, you might decide to celebrate by doing something impulsive, like spending all your saved-up money on that new video game you've been eyeing.
While celebrating is great, taking a moment to think things through (like maybe waiting until you get your allowance next week) can help you make a more balanced decision.
Emotional intelligence can help you understand and manage your own emotions, as well as being able to recognize and respond to the emotions of others. It helps you stay calm and collected, even when your feelings are running high. Developing your emotional intelligence equips you to make decisions that are good for you and the people around you.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely said:
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be”
In the heat of the moment, it might be easy to let your emotions dictate your actions. But by taking a deep breath and making a conscious choice, you have the power to become someone thoughtful, and respectful, enabling you to make choices and decisions you can be proud of.
Tip To Avoid Problematic Decision Is Deep Breathing
So, next time you feel a wave of emotion wash over you, take a deep breath, count to ten, and give yourself some space to calm down. This short pause can make a world of difference in helping you make smart choices, not choices fueled by the heat of the moment.
F. Decision-Making Tools to Make Smarter Choices
Decision making may seem challenging, leaving you feeling discouraged every time you make a poor choice. But it’s a valuable skill you can hone to help you make smarter choices.
Here are a few tools to help with the decision making process:
1. The STOP Method
The STOP Method is a simple strategy that helps you take a step back and consider all the options before leaping into a decision. Let’s apply it to the example of where you chose to play the video game against preparing for your math test:
STOP Method To Avoid Problematic Decisions
Stop and take a breath! Give yourself a moment to calm down and clear your head, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed or excited about playing more of your favorite game.
Think about the options: What are all your choices in this situation? Write them down if it helps!
Option 1: Join your friends and play the video game for an extra hour.
Option 2: prepare for your math test due tomorrow.
Obtain information: Do you have all the facts you need to make an informed decision?
How many topics or concepts do you still have to learn?
How will it affect your results if you don’t do well?
How far are you in your game?
Is there a critical point in the game you might miss by stopping now?
Predict the consequences. Think about the potential outcomes of each choice. What might happen if you choose one option over another?
Proceed (Playing more): You might have a blast playing with your friends and make some serious progress in the game. However, you might feel rushed or stressed preparing for your test, potentially leading to a lower grade.
Proceed (Finishing studying): You'll have peace of mind knowing your prep is done. However, you might miss out on some fun with your friends and some progress in your favorite game.
Considering all the options and consequences allows you to make well-thought-out decisions you can feel confident about.
2. Stuck in a Decision Jam? Ask for Help!
Even with the STOP Method as your trusty sidekick, there will be times when a decision feels like a tangled mess. Don't worry, that's perfectly normal! Sometimes, the best choice is to seek advice from someone you trust.
Think about your parents or teachers. They've been around the block a few times and have a wealth of experience to share. Maybe you're struggling with playing the game vs. test prep dilemma. Explain the situation to your parents.
They can offer a different perspective, maybe suggesting ways to manage your time efficiently or even helping you brainstorm creative solutions, like promising yourself a reward for finishing the project before playing the game.
Remember, asking for help isn't a sign of weakness – it's a sign of strength! By leveraging the knowledge and experience of others, you can learn to navigate problematic decisions effectively.
3. Oops! I Made a Mistake. Now What?
We've all been there. You follow the STOP Method, seek advice, and still end up making a choice that backfires. Maybe you decided to join your friends for the extra hour of gaming and now you’re worried about your test. Ugh! It happens. The key here is not to dwell on the mistake but to learn from it and bounce back even stronger.
Here's the good news: every mistake, big or small, is an opportunity to grow. Think about it like this: maybe next time you face a similar situation, you'll be better at estimating how much time you need to finish a project, or you might communicate with your friends beforehand and see if they'd be open to playing for a shorter amount of time. This is where having a growth mindset comes in.
A growth mindset means believing that you can improve and learn from your experiences. Instead of beating yourself up about the mistake, use it as a stepping stone to become a better decision-maker.
Even the most successful people, like Winston Churchill, have made mistakes. He once said:
“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”
The key is to learn from those experiences and use them to become a better version of yourself.
Mistakes are a part of life. What matters most is how you learn from them and use that knowledge to make smarter choices in the future. So, the next time you make a mistake, don't sweat it! Just dust yourself off, figure out what you can learn from the experience, and keep moving forward!
G. Decyz POV - You've Got This! Making Every Decision Count
We've talked about the power of decisions, and the pitfalls of rushing in, ignoring information, and letting emotions take the wheel. But most importantly, we've explored some great tools to help you make smart choices every day! Remember:
Be a STOP Method Superhero: Take a breath, think about your options, gather information, and predict the consequences before leaping into a decision.
Seek Help from Trusted Sidekicks: Don't be afraid to ask your parents, teachers, or mentors for advice. They've been there, done that, and have a wealth of experience to share.
Learn from Your Mistakes: Every misstep is a chance to grow. Embrace the growth mindset and use your mistakes as stepping stones to become a better decision-maker.
Take progress one small step at a time. Believe in yourself and your capability to overcome problematic decisions and make smart, well-informed choices. Problems come your way to make you stronger so that you have the foresight and resilience to overcome any obstacles that come your way. So take it as a challenge and grow into the best version of yourself, reaching new heights by taking control of your life story.
