Power of Decision Making

By Nwankwo, Chijioke

Decision is the conclusion of a choice between two or more available alternative course of actions for the purpose of attaining a goal while Decision making is the process of choosing between two or more alternatives. There are Three Types of Decision Making [1] Decision under certainty - we are sure of the outcome [2] Decision under Uncertainty the outcome is known but the probability of the outcome is

uncertain

[3] Decision under Risk We know the probability but not sure of the outcome While two Types of Decision are: [1] Good Decision is based on logic, considers all available data and possible alternatives [2] Bad Decision - is not based on logic and does not consider other possible alternatives. Occasionally a Good decision may result to unfavourable condition. That does not make it a bad decision e.g Marriage; so also a Bad decision may result in a favourable condition. That too does not make it a good decision. Nevertheless, always strive to make good decisions. Remember however, that no matter how careful you are; once you are in the river of life, you must hit few rocks. Therefore, when you make a mistake in your decision, dont loose hope. Check where you did not get it right, girdle yourself and continue. Why do we have to make decisions? We make decisions because we want a change in status quo. Decision Action Change

For your desired change to be achieved, there are 3 steps to follow. [1] Raise your Standards Any time you sincerely want to make a change, the first thing you must do is to raise your standards. You must expect great things in your life. John Johnson said Men and women are limited not by the place of their birth, not by the colour of their skin; but by the size of their hope Raise your hope; raise your aspirations because as a man thinks so he is. Write down the things you will no longer accept in your life and all the things you aspire to become. Follow your list strictly. People we discussed above did. They set standards for themselves and did

not relent in pursuing their set goals despite all odds. If you dont set a base line standard for what you will accept in your life, you will find it easy to slip into behaviours and attitudes that are far below what you deserve. You see, when your goals are high and are clearly defined and intelligently set, you have already taken a major step forward in programming your left brain and that will free your right brain to its creative best. [2] Change your Limiting Beliefs If you raise your standards but dont really believe you can meet them, you have already failed (incapacitated) yourself. You wont even try because you have limited the power within you from exploits. Our beliefs are like unquestioned commands. They shape every action we experience. Orison Swett Marden said Deep within man dwells those slumbering powers, powers that would astonish him, that he never dreamed of possessing; forces that would revolutionise his life if aroused and put into action Always be positive in your thoughts. Let the words you tell yourself be words that uplift and not the ones that discourage. This is what I call transformational vocabulary because constant affirmation increases courage, and courage is the backbone of confidence which revolutionises one. When you are in tight situation and constantly tell yourself that you will succeed no matter what, you see that your personal courage will be reinforced and strengthened. Most people who fail begin by doubting their ability to do the things they attempt. The moment you admit doubt into your mind, you let an enemy of betrayal into your camp and once this enemy comes in and is not barred you start hearing, I cant do it; Its not Easy; Its too difficult; Me, I cant. Positive thinking is a creative force that regenerates, produces and achieves, while negative thinking tears down and destroys. A famous psychologist, William James said, Your belief at the beginning of a doubtful undertaking is the one thing that ensures the successful outcomes of your venture. When you expect the best, you release a magnetic force in your mind which by a law of attraction tends to bring the best to you. We can learn to control our thoughts; tap resources that are hidden in our subconscious minds; demolish our negative thoughts, attitudes and mind-sets; abolish discouragement and fear from our minds; expect the best from ourselves; not fret over past failures; start each new day with fresh and positive outlook; convert thoughts of trouble into thoughts of challenges; and awaken the latent powers within us. Yes we can. Change Your strategy Most people who fail in their dreams fail not from lack of ability but lack of commitment. Now you have made commitment by raising your standards and removing your limiting beliefs but to keep to your commitment, and get results, you

[3]

must need best strategies. The best strategy you need is to find role model(s) people who are already getting the result you want and then tap into their knowledge. Learn what they are doing, and how they go about their belief. In life, lots of people know what to do, but few people actually do what they know. Knowing is not enough! You must take action. Conclusion. Think for a moment. Where were you five years ago? What were you like? What were your hopes and dreams? If someone had asked you, Where will you be in five years? what would you have said? Are you today where you wanted to be back then? Can you see how time flies. Doesnt it? Better still; let us ask ourselves, How am I going to live the next five of my life? Who would I have become? How am I going to live today in other to create the tomorrow I am committed to? What I am going to stand for from now on? What actions can I take today that will shape my ultimate destiny? You see, next five years will surely arrive: Who will you have become? What will you contribute? Now is the time to design the next five years of your life not when they are over. Why not make a Decision now and take an Action that will bring about the desired Change. You are created to be wonderful in life. Face the future with renewed zeal and God will see you through every tangled maze. I wish you well!