Life is a series of choices and decisions. Some of the choices are easy and others are more difficult. The most difficult choices are those made under pressure, according to Science Daily.
When you make choices while under stress, you often look at the positives and don't focus on the negatives. This may result in choices you will regret later.
As parents, we teach our kids many things. One of the most important things we teach is how to make choices in life. From what to wear to whether or not to attend college, our kids will make many choices in their lives.
Kids learn as much, if not more, from the examples we set in our own decision making than from what we tell them about making choices.
When facing a difficult choice, the first step many parents teach is to weigh the pros and cons. Write down all of the positive things about each choice, then write down all of the negative things about each choice. Sometimes this is the only step needed, especially if there are only two choices.
Here are some other steps to take when making choices in life. You may think of more than these, but these are a good start.
Talk it over with someone you trust. When kids talk to a parent, sibling or a good friend, they may see another side of the decision that they hadn't considered.
Pray about the choices. If faith is part of your daily life, this may be the first step you take when making decisions. Asking God for guidance is a step many people take.
Gather all available information. Sometimes this isn't possible because the information isn't made readily available. This is often the case in workplace decisions.
Walk away from the decision for a while. Do something else that will take your mind off the choices and you may return with a fresh outlook.
Sleep on it. This is what many generations of parents have suggested to their kids when facing decisions. For whatever reasons, we tend to question ourselves more late at night. Morning usually brings an inner calm.
Go outdoors and get a breath of fresh air. Being in nature, whether in the woods, mountains, or the beach, often brings a clearer mind. Find a place close to home where you can enjoy nature.
A favorite outdoor place in the Lynchburg area is the Blackwater Creek Bikeway. Walk for a while and wonder at nature as you think through the choices.
Think about what advice you would give a friend who was faced with the same choices. We often give better advice to others than to ourselves.
In the end, make peace with the decision you make. It may turn out not to be the best choice, but remind yourself that you made the best decision you could, based on the information available to you at the time.
Our kids learn more from what we do than from what we suggest that they do. Talk with your kids about difficult choices you have made and what steps you took. Although it may not seem like they are listening now, they will remember later.
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