the decision making process D.E.C.I.D.E. the decision making process

come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration. de·cide come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration. make a choice from a number of options. Synonyms: resolve, determine, make up one's mind, make a decision

decisions, decisions… Every day you make thousands of them… Sometimes they are minor: What should I eat for breakfast? What should I wear to school today? Sometimes they are major: Should I get involved in a romantic relationship? Should I check my phone while driving?

DECIDE There is a process called DECIDE that can help you think through bigger decisions. Each letter of the word DECIDE stands for a step to help you make choices in your life.

Sam For notes today, we will use SAM as an example for the DECIDE process.

D Consider the issue you are facing and state the issue clearly. Define the Problem

1. Define the problem. Sam wants friends. Sam moved to WLHS from the east coast in the middle of the school year and has struggled to make friends.

Explore the options/solutions Make a list of all of the possible options for solving your problem. Explore the options/solutions

2. Explore options/solutions Go to a party Connect on social media Say “Hi!” to new people at school Join a sport or club Go to a school event (like a football game)

Consider the Consequences One by one, think through what might happen if you were to choose an option on your list. Include both positive and negative consequences NOTE: There should be a pro and a con to each potential solution Consider the Consequences

Positive Consequences Negative Consequences Solutions Positive Consequences (Benefits) Negative Consequences (Risks) Go to a party Could make new friends Maybe unsafe May have drugs/alcohol Connect with someone online (social media) Could find a new interest/hobby Online predators Cyber bullying Identity theft Say “Hi!” to new people at school People may start talking to you Could be rejected People might make fun of you Join a sport or club Improve health Learn a new skill Might get injured Might not be good at it Go to a school event (like a football game) Have fun Free stuff (food/spirit gear) Might not have any fun Don’t get free stuff

I Consider your long term goals as well as the beliefs of your family and culture. Consider your own and others’ health and safety, and your self-respect. Identify choices that match your values. Identify your values

Values Your values are the things that you believe are important in the way you live. They (should) determine your priorities, and, deep down, they're probably the measures you use to tell if your life is turning out the way you want it to. Dependable Fun-loving Reliable Adventurous Loyal Motivated Committed Positive Open- minded Optimistic Inspiring Consistent Passionate Honest Respectful Efficient Athletic Innovative Educated Creative Humorous

So what fits Sam’s values? 4. Identify your values Sam’s values- Friendship Trust Reputation Health/Safety Family So what fits Sam’s values? “Say Hi!” Join a club/sport Go to school event Maybe connecting online??? What doesn’t fit these values? Crashing a party

D Use the information you have collected to compare options. Decide which is the best for you. Make a plan to act on your decision. What are the steps you need to take? Decide and Act

5. Decide and Act Join a club/sport Sam’s decision is to: Sam will take these steps to act on the decision… Research options Go to club fair Practice (if needed) Try out for the team

E Evaluate your results Sometime after you have put your decision into action, take time to review it. If you could do it over again, what would you do it differently? How has it affected your life? Others? What did you learn? If you can still change some things for the better.. Do it now. Evaluate your results

You will need a piece of note book paper Time to Practice You will need a piece of note book paper