Hey Kids! Have you ever been in a situation where you’re playing a video game and the thought hits you…I have homework and a test to study for? You know what you should do - but you make a decision to keep playing because you want to beat the game. So you tell yourself, “Only 10-minutes more.” 10-minutes turns into two-hours and before you know it, you’re back in school unprepared for the test and without your homework for your next class. You squeak by with a D on the test and tell yourself, “I’m glad it wasn’t an F, at least I passed.” As for the homework, “Well, I’ll just have to make sure I don’t miss anymore assignments.” We all know how that goes!
Decisions, decisions! How many decisions will you make today? Try counting them and you will soon discover you are constantly making decisions; hundreds if not thousands each day; should I get up, what do I wear today, what will I eat, shower or wash my face and that’s only the beginning.
How does someone become a good decision-maker? It’s simple! Start making decisions. Decision-Making is a skill; it’s like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. The best part is it increases your self-esteem and self-confidence. You develop pride in yourself and gain more respect & trust from your peers and adults. You begin to make bigger decisions that take you faster and further in life. The best part is - anyone can do it!
Decision-making Tips
1.) Make a decision to develop a daily routine.
This decision helps you get each day off to a good start. If you prepare the night before you will end your day as a winner and be ready for a good start in the morning.
2.) Put yourself in situations where you have to make decisions.
Make a decision to become involved with clubs or organizations in your school, church or community. You will learn both decision-making and leadership skills. Note: When you first join a club or organization it is normal to feel uncomfortable. Step out of your comfort zone. Years from now you will look back and say, “That was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!” For more on youth leadership and decision-making visit www.youth4youth.org
3.) Ask a trusted adult or role model for advice.
Adults will help you consider things you never thought about because of their life experiences. Take their insight and use it to help make the best decision. Who are the adults in your life that can help you look at your options in different situations?
4.) Decide who you will be as a person.
Who you are is your character and it is based on your morals and beliefs. As we mature, we learn to gather facts and knowledge and include that information in our decision-making. There are times when we will find the best decision may not always be the most popular one or one I like, but it may very well be the best decision. When in question about a decision, “Listen with your heart.”
Larry Tracey is founder of Youth4Youth, an author, parent and teen coach and trainer who teaches success, leadership and decision making skills. Members of Youth4Youth believe each student has the potential to be successful and work to create environments in which all students are given the opportunity to discover and begin development of their potential. Contact Larry Tracey at success@youth4youth.org
