A real decision is measured by the fact that you have taken a new action. If there is no action, you have not really decided. ~Tony Robbins
Making quality decisions is the cornerstone of living a quality life. Of course, we all know it. But knowing and doing are two different things. I know I shouldn’t have dessert tonight, but… And I know I should work out every day, but… And I know I should save that money instead of going out to dinner, but…
Those are all relatively simple decisions, but ones we struggle with every day because we haven’t really made a quality decision to cut sugar, get healthy, or save for retirement. Quality decisions require corresponding action. Without follow through, your ‘decision’ is just an illusion.
Studies show that we make at least 70 decisions every day. That’s more than one every fifteen minutes. If you have a hard time deciding what to have for breakfast or where to go to dinner (a big problem in our house), how much more difficult will it be for you to make good decisions in life?
Of course, many of those ‘decisions’ operate on autopilot. We do today what we did yesterday, order the same food in restaurants (yes, it’s still a choice), or ignore health problems because we don’t want to call the doctor or (God forbid!) take pills.
However, every decision you make—from the breakfast menu to retirement planning, your career, or where you’ll live—impacts the rest of your decisions. They are stacked, one on top of the other, to create the life you have now… and the life you will have next month, next year, next decade.
Here’s something to think about. Do you like your life right now? Do you often feel peace and contentment, optimism, and a sense of control? If you don’t, it’s because of decisions you made yesterday, last week, or even months and years ago.
Here’s the good news. You can change your decisions! If you’re reading this, you still have options. So how do you improve your decision-making skills and move on? I’m glad you asked.
Get wisdom. Wisdom is the main thing; therefore acquire wisdom (Proverbs 4:7). There are two levels of wisdom, guided by the spirit and human reasoning. Jesus told his disciples to ask and they would receive. James 1:5 says if you lack wisdom, ask God for it… and it will be given to you. R.solomon member? As he was about to be crowned king of Israel, God asked him, “What shall I give you?” Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge. God replied, “Because this was in your heart… wisdom and knowledge are given to you. And I will give you riches, riches and honor… (2 Chronicles 1:11-12). Wisdom is a generator of wealth, the first step in a quality life Take time to pray and ask for God’s wisdom and guidance.
Seek peace. And may the peace of God reign in your hearts… (Col. 3:15) The Amplified Bible says that peace should “continually act as an arbitrator.” Are you calm with the decision you are about to make? Quality decisions are generally not made under pressure. They take time and thought. The Bible tells us that Seek peace and pursue it (Ps. 34:14). Peace does not mean that the decision or action required will be easy. You may not even know how to proceed. But, if you are not peaceful, it is not God. He can give you a sense of peace even if you don’t have all the answers yet. Until you find a place of peace, the best ‘decision’ is to wait.
do not fear. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear… (Ps. 118:6). “I won’t” is a choice, a decision. You can let fear, doubt, trepidation, agitation, confusion, and uncertainty rule your life… or you can choose to “be strong, fear not” (Is. 35:4). Jesus said to Jairus (who had just been told that his daughter had died): “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” Fear is the enemy of wisdom and peace. Milk your faith and determination. Fear and its emotional partners are the devil’s tricks to keep you chained to your past circumstances. If you’re going to make a quality decision and move on, you’re going to have to fight those mental attacks.
Be patient. May his perfect work be patient, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:4) Patience has two roles to play in good decision making. First, do not rush into important decisions. A little waiting time is always wise. Use patience to test your decision. Do you still feel calm? Do you have a sense of calm and wisdom in your choice? You’ve heard that it’s always best to put off major purchases (or even minor ones!) for at least 24 hours. That is just as true with other decisions. Impulse buying or decision making can be unwise. Be patient and consider your options before moving forward.
The second component of patience comes after the decision. Once you’ve made a choice, there’s often a testing time. The universe, and the devil, want to know if you’re serious. Have you noticed that when he decides to give up sweets, his spouse wants to stop for ice cream, his coworkers bring donuts, and the cookie island in the grocery store calls his name? Stay strong. Defend your position. God will work out the details if you are patient and trust Him.
Consider the future. This one doesn’t really belong on a spirit-based list for quality decisions. After all, Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow…” (Matt. 6:34). He was trying to show the crowd that God always has a plan and that he always cares for his children (you and me). However, it is also important that we consider the impact of today’s actions (also known as decisions). If you spend every penny you earn and more, where will you be financially in six months or a year? If you eat everything you see, how healthy will you be? How will that affect your lifestyle in the future?
God expects you to trust him with your tomorrow, but he also expects you to make wise decisions today. Every choice has a consequence. Every cause has an effect. the Bible says sowing and reaping will not cease (Gen. 8:22). That means what you decide today will trigger a harvest. It may take some time and effort, particularly if your decision doesn’t flow with the world’s way of thinking, but you will receive the results of what you sow.
Whatever you want is available to you if you make decisions consistent with your dreams and goals.
Consider that when you make your choices, you will be more apt to make quality decisions. And quality decisions are the key to a quality life.