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Your Financial Stress Profile—Evaluations Stressor No. 13 Making Decisions from page 45
Everything that happens in your life is preceded by a decision. It may have been your decision, or
a decision made by someone or something else. Sometimes your only choice is to cautiously act on
a current situation. Other times you’re free to act on your own desires. But the key to success and managing stress in your life is making wise decisions. Consider these recommendations based on the results of Your Financial Stress Profile questionnaire.
You currently feel relatively little stress from making decisions in your life.
Your answers confirm once you’ve made up your mind, you’re comfortable with your decision and firmly stick to it. However, you may feel stress from people who are less firm in their resolve. When people say they’ll do certain things, you assume they will, but it doesn’t always happen.
Only expect the level of loyalty from others that they give. Don’t be misled by promises, or verbal contracts. Use a paper trail to help assure other’s reliability.
Once you’ve made up your mind, it may be difficult for you to change it. Listen to others; it’s alright to disagree, but listening provides you with insight and a better basis for decision-making in the future.
Be willing to compromise if it’s the right thing to do. Change your mind when there’s definite evidence you should. Don’t confuse decisiveness and stubbornness.
You currently feel moderate stress from making decisions in your life.
Sometimes you change your mind, especially when you’re convinced things will be easier if you do. You may feel stress when such mind-changes cause you hassles. When old, comfortable habits creep back into your life, you may also be more stressed.
When making decisions, be sure your mind is convinced, not just your emotions. If it’s a big decision, or it affects you financially, take time
to consider it carefully and project the long-term effects. Take at least 24 hours to make vital decisions that can seriously affect your life.
Listen carefully before you change your mind. Often the facts of a persuasive argument are cloaked in many words. If you’re being asked to change your mind about a former life- committing decision, make sure of your facts. Don’t let someone persuasive lead you “down the garden path.”
You’re currently feeling considerable stress from your need to make decisions.
Your answer suggests you’re easily persuaded to change your mind. Decision-making may be a source of stress in your life because you secretly know allowing yourself to be persuaded won’t excuse you from responsibility. Be aware allowing others to set your direction can be a great source of stress to you.
Practice making decisions about little things. When you’ve successfully decided little things, it will help you make decisions in bigger things.
Remember: you may have a tendency to make wrong kinds of decisions, there are three types: 1) To delay, 2) Let someone else decide for you,
or 3) Ignore the situation entirely. These all have the potential to increase your level of stress. Only the decision to take action will relieve your stress. Knowing you must make some decision helps you move ahead.
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