User:Instereo9

Andrew Saenz Challenges The Impact of Decisions

Decisions are of the utmost importance. There is nothing that has a greater impact on one’s self and the world than one’s own power to make decisions. God has given us the gift of free will, the freedom to create our own destiny, and what a gift it is. Decisions shape the life you lead, and ultimately define the person you become. Maturity is the end result of the ability to consistently make good decisions, and take responsibility for such decisions. The virtue of decisiveness hasn’t received a lot of support lately. With world leaders refusing to admit mistakes when the evidence becomes overwhelming, their apparent decisiveness seems to be a fault. Others question whether decisiveness causes hasty decision making resulting in costly mistakes. Decisiveness does not mean being stubborn, arrogant or hasty. Decisiveness is simply the ability to decide with speed and clarity. In any situation the ability to decide is crucial. It's often difficult to know what you want. It's extremely easy to become mired in rationalizations, and to lose track of what should have higher importance. I believe many poor decisions are rooted in a commitment to do what is thought to be correct. I myself have made bad decisions this way than by simply following instincts rather than over thinking a situation and allowing my mind to do work on its behalf. In my past, like many others before me, and many others after me, I have made bad decisions. I’ve avoided taking chances. I’ve squandered valuable opportunities. I’ve procrastinated. I’ve also had the privilege of making mature and well-informed decisions. I’ve given my job and my family the highest priority in my life. In many ways, I’m considered an adult by myself and others. In any situation, whether a bad decision was made, or a good decision is made. I take full responsibility for the outcome of any decision made, be it good, bad, or questionable. Such responsibility, in my opinion, is what defines maturity. During adolescence, many young people have difficulty making life-changing decisions. It is tempting, and common, to blame others for one’s own bad decisions. This feat is common, but not exclusive, to young adults who are unwilling to accept responsibility for the end result of a bad decision. In the past, I myself have blamed those involved in my upbringing for misguided decisions I have made. In hindsight, while my upbringing has had a tremendous impact on the man I am today, it would be absurd to blame my elders for an ill-conceived decision that I consciously know is wrong. I believe that not only making well-informed decisions, but standing by the outcome of those decisions, be it good or bad, is the key to achieving an admirable level of maturity and competency that is expected of an adult. I have made this my life’s goal, and only after striving for this, can I meet expectations of myself and others. Not only is it important to stay conscious of the decisions one makes, but to stay conscious of all aspects of one’s life. Including one’s own actions, decisions and the primary influences. I prefer to keep the company I keep limited. I have also begun to think of God as my primary influence, and while I do love and accept my family, I have realized that they are only human. To think of God as a role model would be the equivalent of only having the highest standards for myself, and while it is impossible and unrealistic to try to emulate God, I believe in striving for this and having the desire to do so would have a positive effect on all aspects of my life.