MAKING EFFECTIVE DECISIONS - THE BASICS

There are some basic items that we need to do and have in order to make effective decisions. Foremost we need information. Though information is very important in the decision making process, there are many other factors that are needed. Let me list the items that I believe we need to make effective decisions.
Information – How much do you know about the things involved? The more information you have about the options the more effective decision you can make. Without sufficient information, your decision may be based on emotions or the influences of others. For example, if you are trying to decide whether to purchase a Honda Accord or a Volvo Station wagon, then you need to know as much about both vehicles as possible. Only then will you be able to make an effective decision.
Proper priorities – Establish proper priorities relative to the situation at hand. What may be a major decision may not be necessary because the situation and its outcome may have a very low priority relative to other things that are going on in your life. Of course, establishing proper priorities is a job in itself and no one can do this except you.
Proper perspective (The overall picture) – It is very beneficial that you obtain a bird’s eye view of the entire situation. Otherwise, something that may seem extremely significant may not be significant at all relative to the entire scope of things in your life or the situation itself. Also, what may seem a minor decision may in fact be a major decision relative to the overall situation. Don’t focus on the immediate. Try to see the situation as a whole.
An awareness and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit – We must be aware of the Holy Spirit operating in our life. We have to consider him when we view the information, make our priorities, and view the entire situation. If we do not consider the Holy Spirit then we are left with the activity of leaning on our own understanding and abilities. Awareness of the Spirit of God is crucial to making effective decisions.
Biblical principles relevant to the situation at hand – It will be most helpful in many situations if we are aware of a Biblical principle relating to the situation at hand. Knowing what the word of God teaches about a situation will remove much of the pressure and stress to decide one way or another.
Resources – Resources provide information. Use as many resources as you can or deem necessary to obtain insight, proper perspective, and information concerning your situation. One of your greatest resource is other people. People will help you by providing various insights and perspectives of a situation which in turn will help your perspective of the whole.
Awareness of your own convictions, desires, and affections – This is very important to making an effective decision. You may end up making a decision based on the influences of others (external things in general) instead of being influenced by your own convictions if you don’t consider what you want. Know what you want and where you want to go so that you avoid going where others think you should go or do what they think you should do.