What Makes a Decision Right

I have asked this of some people and many say it is the consequence of a particular choice that often dictates whether a previous decision can be deemed correct. We can therefore look at what resulted...

I have asked this of some people and many say it is the consequence of a particular choice that often dictates whether a previous decision can be deemed correct. We can therefore look at what resulted from that decision whether it was harmful or beneficial. Drawing from this, it would then follow that any future choice we make should take into consideration its potential consequences. And if the apparent outcome of a decision we are considering appears beneficial, then it must be the right one. But is it really that simple?

It will largely depend on what we believe to be beneficial or harmful to us. This becomes completely subjective. Each of us will have a different standard for what may be beneficial. There are those who may be driven by immediate satisfaction while others consider certain factors such as one’s sense of accomplishment or the fulfillment of a deeper purpose. And some consequences often take much time to fully unfold. A failure now brought about by a prior irresponsible decision can even be the unseen factor pushing us to greater success later on.

This is true even when we consider the decision to enter into a romantic relationship with someone. Isn’t it that we often feel that loving someone is the right choice up until the moment when we finally decide that it is wrong, due to some unforeseen eventuality? The decision to love the wrong person or to enter into what can be considered a wrong relationship can bring about realizations in us that may even pave the way to something better in the future.

Many obsess about which decision is right for them. Like finding the mathematical solution to a complex equation, people want to arrive at the correct answer. And then there are those who even consult fortune tellers in order that they may see the future and avoid unfortunate outcomes.

But I believe life is far too complicated for us to be able to reduce the matter of making decisions as a mere question of what may be right or wrong. Far too many factors are involved. And we have to consider what roles other people will play in our life’s journey and the unexpected opportunities that may come.

Life is an adventure. We can choose to see the world with open eyes and look at each experience as a means for greater self realization. And it is our attitudes and our mindset that allow us to see each decision not as a matter of right and wrong, but as a means to grow and as the way to discover our true and complete selves.