Decision And Action
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How to decide is a process in itself, however, what you are deciding is an even greater task. Simple daily actions such as when to eat, shower, or go to sleep are involuntary thus this decision making doesnt even need to be taken into consideration. These actions are all also only affecting oneself so the consequences arent as large in the greater scheme of things. Deciding however on which college to attend, a career choice, or financial situation tend to be much more difficult due to the weight they have on your future. “Fear, lack of knowledge, confusion, and conflict of values block us from deciding.” (P. 321) I agree that each one of these examples hinder the process of our decision making. If you do not know what you are dealing with and make a rash choice you could end up jeopardizing way more then the immediate. Decision making in my opinion is a difficult task. Being satisfied in the decision, making sure you are not wrongfully affecting others, and dealing with your personal emotions play an influential part in how you decide. So is it possible to pick the “right” choice? And in the end are we making the decisions on our own? I do not believe it is ever possible to make a selfish decision instantly but time and passion, however, allow us to realize what is needed in order to take action.
Considering goals, alternatives, and possible outcomes of each alternative is said on page 321 to be easily achieved through a three step process. This process consists of “stating a goal, listing the alternatives, and describing the probable outcomes.” I do not feel this is effective because giving a situation you do not have the time to list each step and sometimes it is unnecessary to consider all of the above to come to a conclusion. For example in the court system if everything was figured out in a three step process the world would not need a jury, a judge, or lawyers. There isnt anything simple about decisions making because everything is so complex through each little detail. So to me this three step process cant possibly be accurate. On pages 324 and 325 “firming our foundation” seems to have a better method in coming to a decision. Reason being by listing the pros and cons of a situation you can visibly see the advantages and disadvantages. The idea of adding a method of weight is better as well because it allows you to put more personal thought into how much each are affecting you or will affect you. The example, “perhaps one list is much longer then we would have guessed, but does the longest list win?” (p325) I find myself frequently debating over this question with easy tasks such as where to go out to dinner all the way to am I doing the right thing in my relationship. For example you might have a favorite restaurant; that isnt pricey, has great appetizers; they are friendly, and its romantic. This seems to be a place you would want to go out on date. However, the con for the day could be its an hour away and you will not make it in time after work or that the weather is horrific and it would be cautious to your health to travel the distance. Even though the list of pros appears to be longer it is really the smarter choice? Also when it comes to my relationship; the pros are endless in the sense that I care for this person, have a good time with this person and I am comfortable with where I am. However, the negative could solely be am I whole heartedly ready for the next step? Do I know who I am with out the person? Is this the person for me? These are all things to take into consideration and its a difficult decision to come by considering the pros and cons are an equal amount. By adding the weight, however, as said earlier makes it easier to come to a conclusion or at least gives you a visual effect as to what you are dealing with. This seems to be more effective then the three step process because with the three step process your goals and expectations are always the same but when it comes to the little details in life it becomes difficult to use due to its vagueness.
In todays world a lot of pressure is put on the “right” decision. However, is it ever possible to know in the moment if what you are deciding on is really in your best interest? According to society if you drive the “right “car, wear the “right” clothes, and have the “right” job you are good at making decisions. But everyones opinions and emotions vary so who is to say what is right and what is wrong? This leads to the thought of are we even deciding for ourselves or are we letting others have too much influence in our lives? Being a student on the verge of graduation I am starting to look back and wonder if my decisions and actions have lead me where I wanted to be in life or where the “right” place to be in life is. I feel I relate to the theory stated on page 323 “I dont know if I am alive, if I am dreaming. I dont know if I am anything for sure.” The idea of “double and triple thinking” is very confusing, conflicting, yet realistic. The amounts of weight put onto certain situations lead you to speculate, did I do this for me and based on what I feel is “right” or were the opinions of people in my life influencing my actions? If so would I ever even make decisions on my own or would fear of doing whats “right” prevent me? “Fear chokes our thinking.” (P. 322) the fear of being radical towards a situation sometimes limits my opinion. This is an issue because its further proving that others are feeding to our thoughts and not allowing individuality. Individuality is key because you are the one who will be dealing with the after math of your decision so you need to make it on your own.
By allowing your emotions to lay at least as guidelines to your decisions you can avoid going off your path and following others. Even though emotions are not mechanical and