Making Rational Decisions

We have all been faced with the daunting task of making hard decisions; decisions that require rational thought for the best outcome. However, many of us are ill-equipped in the art of rational decision-making demands. Being rational brings a structured and sound process of reflection to the act of determining the best possible outcome. The choice to decide "rationally" makes it feasible for the decision maker to come to a conclusion by using knowledge relevant and advantageous to the choice made. Understanding how to incorporate this knowledge can be a difficult task. The inability to make sound judgments can often lead to mental unwellness as well as physical discomfort. Who here hasn't been up all night mulling over a decision and later suffered from the stress that comes with NOT knowing what to do? I know I certainly have, and this has led me to seek out a solution to finally resolve problems, dilemmas, and choices without the "unwellness" that often accompanies tough decisions. 1. Pray 2. Set aside all emotions (emotions often taint our ability to be rational) 3. Be ready to pen your thoughts in an orderly path from problem to solution. 4. Know there is a single best or optimal outcome that benefits the majority. 5. Do not set your convictions aside. The chosen solution must be in agreement with your beliefs. Going against your morals will never aid in your well-being. 6. Gather information for analysis during the decision-making process. 7. You must be objective, unbiased and base your information on facts. 8. Consider future consequences for each decision alternative. 9. Use structured questions to promote a broad and deep analysis of the situation or problem requiring a solution. 10. The rational choice will satisfy conditions of logical consistency and deductive completeness. 11. Pray Above all suggestions, I believe strongly that our ability to do anything rationally begins and ends with prayer. Understanding that the best/right choice comes when in accordance to the Father's Will eases the pressure of "doing it ourselves." It is unnecessary to fret, worry and suffer stress-induced illness over making decisions. There is always the wrong way or His way. When we apply sound mind and prayer in the decision-making process, we reap the benefits from "peace of mind."