Rules are one of the best decision making techniques and a great way to build self-confidence. When properly applied, they produce a predictable outcome. That is the purpose of a rule; it functions as a shortcut and speeds up the decision making process.
When you are faced with ordinary everyday situations that don't involve life and death, morality or the law, why not make your life simpler by taking advantage of these decision making techniques?
- When in doubt, don't.
This is especially helpful when money is involved and you're being pressured to make a decision right away. Not sure? Don't sign or give your financial details. Protect yourself by buying time so you can think clearly.
- When in doubt, be responsible.
It is possible to do the right thing but to ruin it by doing it at the wrong time, or in the wrong spirit, or for the wrong motives.
It is also possible to redeem a tragic situation by doing the responsible thing and accepting the consequences.
A teen couple find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy. Instead of abortion, they choose to do the responsible thing. They give up partying, get jobs, get married and try to give their child a happy, stable family life.
A mother fighting advanced cancer chooses to stop chemo treatments because she doesn't want to lose what's left of her time with her children by taking further medical risks.
- It's alright to be wrong.
To err is human. All our life experiences, including those we would rather forget, go into creating the beautiful tapestry that represents our lives.
Acknowledge the error, learn the lesson, and get back on track. Don't waste your mistakes. The worst thing you can do is to wallow in the past; it is not going to change what's done. Focus on creating a fresh start and on letting the past make you a better person.
