I asked some friends this:
I’m thinking about making good decisions this morning. I would like your
opinion as to how people learn to make good decisions and how we can adapt our
lives in making good decisions. Can you give me some insight? Here are some of their responses.
Probably should start by asking better people than me about
making good decisions
More seriously
though, I would say find good people to be around and pay attention. They won't
do everything right but they're willing to admit when they're wrong. And that
helps because I've probably learned more from being wrong than being right.
Start by making a case study of those making poor decisions
and do the opposite. Pick good mentors.
…..it depends, of course on the nature of the situation,…..
but you should: 1)evaluate options 2)seek advice 3)pray for guidance 4)don’t
procrastinate or delay.
On important issues, I call upon the Holy Spirit to nudge me
One Direction, or the other to help me in making the right decision and he
usually does. If that don’t work, I call upon my wife to make the decision for
me ha ha.
I think you broke my brain with that one!! Seems to me
environment is huge. Environment and desire. And desire is so hard to create in
someone. I know things I desire I pursue. But things I don’t, people can
encourage me, but it won’t happen until I want it. Being around the right
people. Get away from bad influences. That’s all I got!!!
I think the key
to good decisions is setting up habits and routines. I would suggest starting
small and stacking. So depending on what you want to work on I would set a
habit to go for a walk first thing in the morning. That’s where I would start. Then
my belief is it will snowball into other good habits and routines. Another good
book - power of habit talks about the “keystone” habit. It’s a habits that
unlocks / snowballs other habits. Short answer start with a habit or routine first thing in the morning and my
suggestion would be a walk. 2nd step is an accountability partner - you are
39.5% likely to accomplish a goal if you write it down. You are 76.7% likely to
accomplish a goal if you send progress reports to someone.
If it’s a really big one I pray for help! I try to not make
it when I’m angry and I might run it by my wife or a friend. Past experience
helps and we have all had plenty of that!!
Take the time to weigh all the options. Then pray about what
option is the best for everyone. Or just throw the ball to me! (i.e. Inside joke--I played
basketball with this friend and I made him an All-American ‘cause I threw the
ball to him all the time; I should have shot more!!!!)
Probably my parents, by example, taught good decision making
in areas such as thrift, perseverance, and using common sense. Being free to
make everyday decisions is something we take for granted, but aren’t we
fortunate to navigate our lives as we wish! I am grateful everyday for this
freedom. We can choose vocations, our friends, recreation, food choices and
what color to paint the house! For more impactful decisions, it’s important to
weigh pros and cons and evaluate the long term effects. Ask the experts, get
facts. Decision making changes as we age whether we like it or not. I will no
longer climb up Mt. Adams because my body says NO! We hear, sometimes
disdainfully,
, “He/she is slowing
down.” I say slowing down is a privilege we earn, and a pleasure!
I would agree with the importance of prayer and seeking
wisdom from God through biblical insight. Also if you have a spouse discuss the
issue with them. Also if you have trusted friends you can ask for their
thoughts.
I like to take some time and think Do some research. Weigh
the pros and cons and take your time.
I used to tell my students (driver ed & classroom) life
boils down to the decisions you make. Sometimes you get do overs, but often you
don't. When you get to the pearly gate, you can't ask for a second chance. In
my humble opinion, you often learn to make good decisions by making some bad
ones.
Proverbs 11:14 says “in abundance of counselors there is
victory.” I always helps to run my big plans past some trusted friends. They
will have opinions about my plans, and their wisdom can be a word from God.
For me it’s slow down, step back and look at the big
picture. Do I really need something, say something, or do
something and does that help me or someone else? Also run it by my
wife!
James 1: 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask
God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to
you.
That patient thing is good but hard. Several years ago the
doctor wanted me tested. Tested for patience. It came back negative...I didn't
have any. And my wife says "I win again"!
I have a tract by A W Tozer in my Bible. A paraphrase... the
happy truth is that the majority of decisions touching our lives God expresses
no choice and allows us to choose our preferences, (using principles found in
God's Word). "Where there is no clear instructions, pray and ask God and
let the Spirit lead.".....
Pray, get all the facts, be patient. Then check with Mr.R.
He never makes any bad decisions. Unless it's something to do with women, then
you better call me, Mr.R is not that good with women.
You got any easier questions? 
Can’t tell if people learn to be good decision makers or if
it is an inherent trait. Sometimes the definition of a good decision is in the
eye of the beholder. People who are risk takers can know that they are going to
miss on a few decisions but if they keep trying, they will learn and eventually
succeed. Others will view the failures and call them bad decision makers. That
is a wishy-washy answer but I think there is some truth in it.
Read the Bible. Pray. Ask people with similar beliefs as you.
Just do it... give something a try and you will gain experience . With
experience comes knowledge, whether you made a good decision or not. Ask for
opinions from those you trust. Keep trying, don't give up, be open to learning,
be open to feedback, take a risk and use the feedback.
Ask your wife'


Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:
erv
MyDeceasedFriendJean said--Few people travel the road to success without a puncture or two.
Zinger--Because of the advice I got from a friend/wife/Jeanne, I am going to try to quit drinking diet soda! Suck it up erv, and let's get going!