Decision-Making Wisdom for Life’s Crossroads

Decision-Making Litmus

The journey of life is never a straight course. It is filled with twists, turns, crossroads, and stops that lead us to the point where we must choose a path. We are often confronted with the two roads in Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken.” And when we come to it, the challenge of deciding looms in front of us. Sometimes, after making decisions, we continue to have a mental battle triggered by thoughts of the road not taken. However, you can make decisions that you will be proud of when you apply the following decision-making litmus test. Test your decision with the following questions:

1. Is it spiritually edifying?

This question should probe our hearts about the spiritual rightness of our decision. Is it in line with God’s commandments? Or do we have to compromise our faith to follow the decision? Does the decision directly or indirectly contravene our faith? If so, we may need to rethink. Joseph, in the Bible, refused to take any action that was directly against God’s law. Although he initially got into trouble, God did not forget his spiritual integrity, and he eventually got his reward.

Similarly, we need to know whether the decision will lead us on a journey of spiritual growth or into spiritual decline. Once the decision has passed this first phase, one can proceed to the next.

2. Is it financially profitable? This next step of the test is quite important. We need to understand the financial implications of the decision. The endeavour should be one that would yield profit, not a loss.

3. Is it emotionally gratifying?

Emotional well-being is often overlooked. When making a decision, we should ensure the choice we make supports our emotional health. It should make us happy, fulfilled, and peaceful.

4. Is it physically safe and/or healthy?

After our decision has passed the preceding steps on the litmus grid, we must ask ourselves whether it does not physically endanger us. If the road to be taken is fraught with unnecessary dangers to our physical well-being or that of our loved ones, then we may need to call it quits on that road.

5. Does it align with my purpose or assignment?

Of all the steps outlined here, this may be the most delicate. This is because purpose gives direction and focus. So, if the decision does not align with our purpose or assignment, we might as well be travelling down a flight of stairs while hoping to get upstairs.

6. How will I feel about it later?

Good question! We need to search our minds and emotions to answer this. After making that decision, we should ask ourselves how we would feel about that situation in hindsight.

Finally, we are on course and on schedule if our decisions pass this test satisfactorily. We may go merrily on our journey with full assurance that we have made the right choice.

ALSO READ: The Place of Premise in Your Thought Ride