The Decision Tree
A few post's ago I entered something I read from the book God's Abundance. Here's another one that is too good not to share by Carl Westling.
Decisions can be complicated enough, even when a crisis is not at hand. Regardless of the pressures, it helps us to think like a chess player. This is another brick in the foundation of our abundant life.
Tournament class chess players pride themselves on their ability to think five, six, seven or more moves in advance. This preplanning allows them to avoid potential pitfalls that would not show up in just a few moves. The winner of a tournament is generally the one whose moves are planned farther ahead than their opponent.
This same logic can be used in daily activities that involve making multiple decisions. One simple way of doing this is by building a decision tree. You may choose to experiment with this concept before applying it to real life.
Here is how it works: Let's assume you have been offered a job in another city. First, draw a vertical line to represent a tree trunk. Next, put a fork on the trunk and label each of the two branches. Label one, "move," the other "stay." On the move branch add additional branches sprouting from it for each added decision you will be required to make as a result of the move. Do the same with the stay branch.
Each added branch will have a name like: new living quarters, change banks, new friends, church, and so forth. Likewise, the stay branch will be labeled with your existing circumstances; same job, church friends, living quarters, and on and on. The number of branches for each of the forks will only be limited by your imagination and present circumstances.
Just starting to label these new branches will bring new thoughts to mind, as well as make you consciously think of the less obvious factors of your present circumstances. And remember, most of these branches will have sub-branches. Taking the time to begin sketching a decision tree will bring a degree of rationality to your ultimate decision, whether you are in the midst of a crisis or facing a decision in a non-crisis situation.
If you have asked the advice of others as yo build your decision tree, remember one important fact: you are the one that will have to live with your decision. Though your friends and relatives will help you consider options, you are the one that will have to determine the merits of each option.
As you follow through on developing this simple, yet effective decision-making tool, pray that God will enlighten your mind and give you peace about the way He wants you to take. By surrendering your own desires, He will guide you. That's a promise in God's abundant living program.
One thing I like about this is that it is not totally linear as a pros/cons list is. Life isn't always linear; there are a zillion interconnected parts to consider. Another thing I like about this is that with each branch and thought, the possibilities of other things to consider open up. I think this gives any big decision a clearer outline of what needs to be evaluated and decided upon. Seeing all the branches in front of you might make the decision easier with few regrets.
Decisions can be complicated enough, even when a crisis is not at hand. Regardless of the pressures, it helps us to think like a chess player. This is another brick in the foundation of our abundant life.
Tournament class chess players pride themselves on their ability to think five, six, seven or more moves in advance. This preplanning allows them to avoid potential pitfalls that would not show up in just a few moves. The winner of a tournament is generally the one whose moves are planned farther ahead than their opponent.
This same logic can be used in daily activities that involve making multiple decisions. One simple way of doing this is by building a decision tree. You may choose to experiment with this concept before applying it to real life.
Here is how it works: Let's assume you have been offered a job in another city. First, draw a vertical line to represent a tree trunk. Next, put a fork on the trunk and label each of the two branches. Label one, "move," the other "stay." On the move branch add additional branches sprouting from it for each added decision you will be required to make as a result of the move. Do the same with the stay branch.
Each added branch will have a name like: new living quarters, change banks, new friends, church, and so forth. Likewise, the stay branch will be labeled with your existing circumstances; same job, church friends, living quarters, and on and on. The number of branches for each of the forks will only be limited by your imagination and present circumstances.
Just starting to label these new branches will bring new thoughts to mind, as well as make you consciously think of the less obvious factors of your present circumstances. And remember, most of these branches will have sub-branches. Taking the time to begin sketching a decision tree will bring a degree of rationality to your ultimate decision, whether you are in the midst of a crisis or facing a decision in a non-crisis situation.
If you have asked the advice of others as yo build your decision tree, remember one important fact: you are the one that will have to live with your decision. Though your friends and relatives will help you consider options, you are the one that will have to determine the merits of each option.
As you follow through on developing this simple, yet effective decision-making tool, pray that God will enlighten your mind and give you peace about the way He wants you to take. By surrendering your own desires, He will guide you. That's a promise in God's abundant living program.
One thing I like about this is that it is not totally linear as a pros/cons list is. Life isn't always linear; there are a zillion interconnected parts to consider. Another thing I like about this is that with each branch and thought, the possibilities of other things to consider open up. I think this gives any big decision a clearer outline of what needs to be evaluated and decided upon. Seeing all the branches in front of you might make the decision easier with few regrets.
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