Thursday, February 19, 2015

NaBloPoMo: Make...a Decision!


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Today's NaBloPoMo post is as follows, "Do you make up your mind, or do you think making up our minds is outside our control?"

I admit that I am not the best person when it comes to decision-making. The reason or rather reasons why? -

Firstly, I have the ability to see both sides of a situation. I was born a middle child and I believe that role has allowed me the advantage of not only seeing, but also understanding a situation.

When my parents argued for instance, sometimes about me, my Dad would defend me and my Mom would tell my father that he was wrong. I knew my mother was right, though I think she thought I was on my father's side. However, I could see that they were both right in their own way.

I've had this perspective all my life and though at times it can serve me well, other times it seems like a stumbling block.

Secondly, I am the type of person who prefers to take advantage of opportunities that come my way. This can make decision-making easy if it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I am faced with. If so, that is the decision I usually go for.

Thirdly, I am also prone to wanting to do everything! I have varied interests and I love to learn, so sometimes this may prove to be challenging when it comes to decisions. When faced with a choice, it can be challenging to choose as I want the outcome of both decisions!

Sometimes I make a list of pros and cons. Seeing and weighing my options helps to facilitate the process.

I believe we can make (up) our own minds. It is just a matter of choosing! Left OR right? Not both!

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That reminds me of one of my favourite poems, "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost which I think illustrates the concept of decision-making very well. You are probably already familiar with it.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.


How do you face decisions? Do you have any tips for helping you make them?

12 comments:

  1. I think as scary as it sounds and as difficult as it might be we need to learn to take our own decisions and face the consequences..Even if it's scary!
    Random Thoughts Naba -Why No One Talks About Compassion Anymore?...

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    1. I totally agree Naba, though not always easy especially when scary! ;) <3

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  2. I tend to really worry myself to death about most decisions that are important. I hate change...but once it happens, I roll with it. I am good under pressure and can make decisions in that capacity as long as I don't have to think about it too long. :)

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    1. Tough decisions can certainly be worrisome Kathy, but needn't worry yourself "to death" about them! ;) It's great if you are able to make decisions under pressure, and sometimes quick decisions are better if they are instinctual, I mean intuitive in nature! :) <3

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  3. I'm a pretty bad decision maker when it comes to personal choices in life... i always second guess myself and allow people to influence me. Have suffered for it along the journey of life but I have learned too, I guess, from those errors.

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    1. Oh, I'm glad I'm not the only one Roshan! Thanks for keeping me company! ;) I too second guess myself a lot too and then go outside myself seeking an answer. I wonder how that affects you (and me) in terms of our intuition...hmmm... Good if you can learn from your mistakes...in fact, I meant to post a great quote regarding that but forgot! <3

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  4. I have always been independent and made my own decisions. Sometimes I do fail to see the other side :) Love the poem, one of my favorites.

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    1. Good for you Raj! You certainly seem independent and confident in your decision-making as I read your posts between the lines. I'm glad you love the poem! :) <3

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  5. I am the most indecisive person ever! And this post was as if I had written it myself! ;)
    I make lists, only to never use them! But yes, listing pros and con's is always a help!

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    1. Well you can only improve, right Aditi? ;) Use whatever works! :) <3

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  6. In my house everyone looks up to me for a final decision. Right from childhood it has been my decision that prevails. Normally my decision proves to be correct but sometimes (though rarely)if it misfires,, I feel very miserable.

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    1. That says a lot about you Usha! Very admirable a quality to have! IT seems like you are the matriarch of your family, am I right? ;) And we can't always be 'perfect' or 'right' can we...just to keep us humble! ;) <3

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