The decisions that a person takes in his life are really very important and play decisive roles as well. Moreover, their impacts on most of the occasions are far-reaching and solid. The life we live is not at all easy and demands that we must be prudent and completely understand the situation that we go through. It, usually, does not give a second chance. The decisions that we take cannot be retaken. Before we have time to reconsider our decisions, the time already passes away.
The problem with practical life is that we are not always in the situation wherein we are cognizant of the circumstances and are capable of acting with complete control. Sometimes we are caught in a quagmire of incidents and matters in such a way that we are not able to see the situation from the outside. Our chance to act wisely in such situations is really very limited; same is the case with the chance of making the right decision. However, the probability of making wrong decisions in such a scenario is comparatively high. As observed by Peter Singer, “Human decision-making is complex. On our own, our tendency to yield to short-term temptations, and even to addictions, may be too strong for our rational, long-term planning”.
There are numerous occasions in life, when unintentionally a person takes a wrong decision and then feels sorry for that for many years to come. Nonetheless, it is possible for us to avoid many, if not all, of the decisions that we take. All it requires is a vigilant and ready mind. Though there isn't a single theory that can prove to be a panacea in this regard, certain practices can definitely support to a great extent.
The most important consideration in this regard is that each situation is unique in its own way; it is the outcome of unique incidents and, therefore, may generate unique results; hence generalizing the situations may not always help. So, it is highly recommended not to apply general theories, rules and principles to every situation. Evaluate and analyze each situation as per its own context and objective conditions and try to avoid the approach - it will work because it worked last time. In addition the experiences from others are not always helpful; they are only helpful when they are properly understood and a particular message is drawn from them. They can, in no way, support when they are applied without proper thinking.
As quoted by Deepak Chopra in The Book of Secrets: Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life, “If you obsess over whether you are making the right decision, you are basically assuming that the universe will reward you for one thing and punish you for another. The universe has no fixed agenda. Once you make any decision, it works around that decision. There is no right or wrong, only a series of possibilities that shift with each thought, feeling, and action that you experience. If this sounds too mystical, refer again to the body. Every significant vital sign- body temperature, heart rate, oxygen consumption, hormone level, brain activity, and so on- alters the moment you decide to do anything… decisions are signals telling your body, mind, and environment to move in a certain direction.”
A suitable decision is only possible after proper analysis of the situation and then keeping all alternatives in consideration. Sometimes there are many alternatives to choose from before we take any decision but we may never be ready to think about them. We only come to realize them after we have taken decision and are faced with its ill consequences. Therefore, considering all the possibilities before taking a decision can greatly support in making the right decision.
Nevertheless, as mentioned above, a person is not always in an ideal situation wherein he has all the time in the world to analyse the situation and then scan all the possible alternatives and go through a process of choosing the best of the alternatives. He maybe in a troubled situation and may have to make a hasty decision. In such a situation it is always recommended to avoid making "big" decisions - the decisions that may have drastic consequences. It is recommended by wise not to make a decision in haste or in anger. The only advisable consideration in such a scenario could be to opt for least disadvantage or loss.
Making decision is not a science and there are no set formulas that can support us in making decisions. Nonetheless, a scientific analysis of the situation can largely assist in making a right decision. I reality making decisions is both science and art. If without proper analysis and enough information a person cannot make a correct, he is not able to do so even without common sense and instinct. It is also imperative that once a decision is made it has to be firm and at the same time it must be pursued with firm intentions so that the outcomes are faced with full zeal and enthusiasm; as quoted by Arti Honrao, “There comes a point in your life when you have to take a decision, firm one.
You take it, stick to it, execute it. You might alienate some people with your decision but as long as you know the decision is right there is nothing to be concerned about. If you have the slightest doubt that the decision was wrong and it has done more harm than good, you must rectify. If you are sure the decision was absolutely right then you need not be worried about the people you alienated, you are better off without them in your life. If people cannot appreciate you for what you are, you don't need their drama in your life.”