©2015 Dr. Dave Peterson, LPC. May 30, 2015
Permission given by author for use in Heart to Heart as well as on this blog
Retain the steps below on paper, so your mind is free to research, evaluate, & decide.
Identify the decision to be made or problem to resolve: ______________________________________________
Research the problem or topic (Write the information here):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Making decisions within the following parameters will simplify the choice and reduce your problems significantly.
A RIGHT decision is legal, moral and ethical, such as obeying the Ten Commandments, keeping speed limits, getting to work on time. A WRONG decision is illegal, immoral and unethical, such as bank robbing, evading taxes, intoxication, and porn use. Does this decision have moral, legal or ethical ramifications?
The right action to take is: _____________________________________ If this is not a right/wrong issue, move on.
A WISE decision is constructive, just and sensible, like regular fellowship, a good diet, exercise, regularity, and service to others. A FOOLISH decision is destructive, harmful, or pointless, such as smoking, excessive electronic use, consuming alcohol to relax. The wise decision is ______________ . Wise choices may have options, like what kind of exercise, or service. If not clear, use the steps below as needed to determine which wise action.
A GOOD decision is our freedom and privilege. A good decision reduces stress and assists in relating to others, such as appropriate attire choices, recreation activities, where we live and kind of work. A BAD decision creates excess stress, causing distraction to others, drawing attention to ourselves, like over scheduling, wearing shorts to a formal event, or body markings. A good decision is stress-free, and thoughtful of others, Use the steps below as needed.
Identify the options. 1.__________________ 2. ________________________ 3.______________________
Pro and con options: Pro / Con Pro / Con Pro / Con
Evaluate the impact of each option above on your relationship with God, clear conscience, and future; intellectual growth, emotional well-being and will; health, abilities, physical development; education, values and recreation; friendships, service and government; finances, savings and giving, marriage, children and parents; communication.
Weight each item above. A weight of 10 is very important, 1 is not.
Subtract cons from pros.
Choose the best or wisest option: _________________________________________________________________
If the decision requires many steps to complete divide the action into steps and place them on your schedule, so you do not become overwhelmed or inactive. Steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Save the paper for future reference. Evaluate if it was the best or wisest decision. If not, place the new information in the process and reconsider.
©2015 Dr. Dave Peterson, LPC. Permission granted to copy for personal use.
Picture source: flickr.com/photos/celestinechua/9711274502
