Choicrs and consequences are connected, so when you make a decision, expect be an outcome.
Every day, people make choices or decisions of less significance and about their personal well-being or comfort, such as what clothes to wear or food to consume.
Other decisions are of greater importance and have a long-lasting impact.
These include what and where to study, career choices, where to live and work, choosing a life-partner, saving and spending.
Politics and economics go hand in hand, with one always impacting the other.
Entrepreneurs in business and individuals in positions of elected or appointed authority, who are tasked with responsibilities such as governing or administering, will also be making decisions.
In a democracy, voters determine an election outcome and the people entrusted to govern them.
Those who are elected in turn decree who will oversee the country’s administration.
In business or the public sector, the decisions made usually affect lives and perhaps even futures.
In business, ownership as an entrepreneur or part of decision-making that results from a managerial role influences the decision-making process and the outcomes.
For us as individuals, there will always be risks associated with decision-making.
In deciding the clothes to wear or food to eat, those small decisions, if incorrect, will lead to exposure to the elements followed by illness and an incorrect diet or lifestyle may lead to medical consequences.
When it comes to making the bigger decisions, the consequences of incorrect choices could lead to one being stuck in a dead-end job. If running an enterprise, the consequences are slow or no growth, in the long-term closure or even bankruptcy.
Accept that there is always a risk associated with decision-making, but carelessness, reckless or foolishness should not be a factor in the risk taking.
Decisions, small or large, must never be made haphazardly, as some are not easily reversed.
Life is like a road: some are short or smooth, bumpy, potholed, straight or twisting, winding and turning.
Some of life’s roads will result in disaster and sadness, others to victory and jubilation, some to defeat and disappointment.
On life’s journey when it comes to decisions, there will always be corners, detours, intersections and crossroads to navigate and often options will be either too few or too many, but all must be weighed up and possible outcomes considered.
Before deciding, it is often beneficial to consult extensively and entertain all options, from the simple to the most complicated.
Sometimes, the choice may be unpalatable, but in the long term proves to be the smart and right one.
Once a decision has been made, be prepared to face the consequences. If it was the correct decision or not will become clear over time.
Accept that one is free to choose, but that you will never be free from the consequences of your decision.
Therefore, accept that choices will always have consequences.
Have few regrets and rather learn, take appropriate steps and then attempt to make better decisions in the future.
- Danny Meyer is reachable at danny@smecompete.com
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
