We all make decisions every day. Some are simple without much thought and some life-changing. In addition, we sometimes make good decisions and sometimes not so good. However, what does it mean when we have a consistent pattern of making bad decisions rather than good ones? The difference between a good day and a bad day can be one bad decision. A bad decision can potentially set off an onslaught of other bad decisions. It is crucial we become conscious and aware to why we make these bad decisions in the first place. Here are seven reasons why people make bad decisions.
- Procrastination
When you wait to make decisions last minute or by indecision, you’re more likely to make bad decisions. This can negatively impact very important decisions. It is always important to give your decisions the respect they deserve and take your time making them. The stress you create is not worth putting decisions off.
- Making Quick Decisions Without Thinking It Through
There are some people that do not like to make decisions and would prefer it be done for them. They often make decisions quickly to get it off their plate without thinking it through. This type of decision making can lead to a succession of bad decisions.
- No Self-Control
We have heard before it is better to operate your life and business with delayed gratification. Most experts agree that a person’s success would magnify if they could restrain their immediate wants in favor of long-term benefits the majority of the time. Let’s say you have $1,000 in cash. You could add it to your savings or you could buy something you don’t really need. What do you choose? If you have self-control, you save the money. If you want to make a terrible decision, you spend the money on something you don’t need
- Not Sticking To The Plan
Have you ever deviated from your plan? For example, you are embarking on a lifestyle change to release 50 lbs. You convince yourself that just one bite of a donut will not hurt you. Well that one bite of a donut could easily turn into three pieces and disrupt your entire lifestyle plan. Not sticking to your plan can lead to other bad decisions.
- Never Consider the Consequences
Some people when they are excited likely make decisions without evaluating the consequences. If you’re really excited about doing something, you’re not likely to consider the consequences. So what are consequences? They are the difference between a good decision and a bad one. This is where instant gratification comes into play. We make a quick decision with how we feel at the moment but not giving a second to think is it worth the long-term consequences. One of the best ways to curb your desires that really do not serve you is to just not think about them. This is the simple technique that highly successful people use all the time to remain focused and to keep from making terrible decisions.
- Always Waffling
While there are some people do not consider the consequences of their action, there are others that consider them too much. This is called waffling and it occurs when someone is so worried about what could happen that they are incapable of making a decision. So how is that a bad decision? Well, if you do not make any decisions at all, you’re not making good decisions.
- Always Seeking Validation From Others
People often make bad decisions because they’re seeking the approval of others. While someone’s approval may steer you down a good path, the wrong person’s approval could steer you down a bad path. The decisions you make whether good or bad should always be your own choice.
To your health & prosperity,
Christopher Salem
