When is a decision made

We all have the ability and desire to change our opinion and our corresponding decisions. As we get new information we may change our minds but also depending on our mood or level of motivation in any given situation. There are times when we say we have made a decision but on some level, we have not yet committed to it.  This can be due to fear; some inner resistance or a level of uncertainty. Often when we say we have decided we have not. Until you take that first step and let go of the option of changing your mind, your choice is not yet fully made.

People often talk about their plans as if their decision were concrete but then they fail to follow through.  Intention is not the same as making a decision. This can be reflected in day to day things like deciding to exercise in the morning or cleaning up your workspace. You talk to yourself and others as if you have decided but on some level, you give yourself the option to back out. As soon as something becomes negotiable it is no longer decided.

If we are not clear what we want it is difficult to make decisions. Then again if we are clear but our logic tries to convince us to make a different choice we may feel some resistance. Forcing through this resistance because we said we were going to do something is not always the best choice either. The ability to reconsider has its pros and cons. Sometimes you don’t have all the information you need while other times you don’t have the right frame of mind to think clearly. Unfortunately, we sometimes don’t follow through on decisions we have made even though they would benefit us, usually because we are afraid or lack motivation.

So when is a good time to make a decision so that you can trust yourself and commit to it? If a task is important or an opportunity is significant, make the decision in advance when you are feeling motivated and not confronted with the fear of moving forward. If you notice you are feeling emotional and not grounded, then try to delay your decision.

One of the reasons I find it important to have a personal philosophy is because you think through and decide on your beliefs and values in advance.  When you have an important decision to make you can then ask yourself: “What does my philosophy say about this?”   This can help in making decisions in line with your values which will avoid regret and frustration. Some of your decisions will have been made in the past while others are spontaneous but the decision is never really made until the action is taken.  So choose to live your philosophy through your actions and have the courage to commit to them even when you don’t feel like it or fear the outcome. These are choices that lead to greater happiness.