Don't Be A Robot!

Decide to make your life what you want it to be.  No one else can decide for you, and certainly no one else can do it for you.  Your decisions will line up life in the way that you choose it.

DECISIONS

Alan Cohen

There was a time in my life when I believed saying 'yes' was the most acceptable response, and saying 'no' was the most disapproved response you could offer.  I am embarrassed to say I was in my late twenties when I read in a book both yes and no were of equal value.  I had never considered this before.

Being a 'people pleaser' I sought out the answer I thought people wanted which usually meant agreement.  Yes was affirming and no was negating. Thereafter, I learned to become more comfortable replying no, but I would include a lengthy explanation defending my answer.  In time, it became more easy to just say no. 

The difference, of course, is looking for the answer within our selves and basing our response on what brings alignment to our situation.  It is respecting our selves and honest decisions increase our self-confidence.  Precise decision making improves relationships as well.  Clear responses help others understand who we are and what we expect. 

The better we know our selves, the easier it is to make decisions.   If we never pay any attention to what we think or believe, our inconsistent answers confuse others.  When we begin to think through our hearts rather than anticipating what others expect, our lives become easier and remain focused.

So to polish up on our decision making, we can stay in touch with our inner feelings as we respond to mundane questions.  Answer honestly based on how you truly feel.  Paper or plastic?  Coffee or tea?  Seriously, let's not be robots!  Pause and think of what we want our response to truly be and be aware of personal preferences.

It is very important to remain flexible.  What we agree to today may change as we gather more information along the way.  It is not a sign of weakness to change your decision, but rather an act of strength.  When we neglect to make a decision at all, in many ways the decision is made without us and we may appear and feel to be weak.

According to Alan Cohen there are times when it is in our best interest to reserve decision making, but with resolution not procrastination.   He says there is often times wisdom in allowing a period of time to pass before drawing a conclusion. When we are comfortable making incidental decisions, we are better prepared in responding to the greater questions.  We are in better sync with our inner feelings and our responses will be more heartfelt and accurate.