6 Steps to Making Good Decisions Step 1: Identify the problem Directions: highlight the problem in the example below. Example: you have a big science test today that you haven’t studied for. During the test, the teacher walks out of the room for a few minutes.

Step 2: consider your values Values are beliefs that you consider to be of great importance Values represent the kind of person you want to be. Examples of good values include: hard work, honesty, respect, and responsibility Question: If someone values honesty, when the teacher walks out of the room during the test, most likely what would that person do? Explain Not cheat. Even when tough situations arise, someone with good values will most likely not go against what they believe in.

Step 3: list the options (choices) There is always more than one way to solve a problem. Example: you have a big science test today that you haven’t studied for. During the test, the teacher walks out of the room for a few minutes. Directions: Brainstorm 3 options you could choose from if you ever found yourself in the above situation. Option 1: Option 2: Option 3: Do your best Cheat / look at Any other On the test and remember someone’s paper. Options you can What you can get your notes out. Think of

Step 4: Weigh the consequences (outcomes) For every option you list, imagine what would happen if decide to pick that option. Consequences can be good or bad. Option 1: Do your best on the test, remember what you can. Consequences: fail the test OR pass Option 2: Cheat/ look at someone’s paper Consequences: get caught/ get in trouble OR the other person had the wrong answer so you fail OR get away with cheating Option 3: List the consequences for your third option ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Step 5: Decide and Act Choose the option that represents your values and will bring about the best consequences Take time to choose wisely Sometimes doing what you believe in can make others angry. But if you believe that you made the correct choice, then you are probably making a good decision. Which option would you choose????

Step 6: Evaluate your choice/decision Once you have acted on a decision you need to stand back and look at your results. Ask yourself questions like: Did I uphold my values? Would my parents approve of my decision? Do I feel good about my actions? If you answer yes to these questions then you probably made a good decision! If you answer no to these questions, there may be time to make another choice, and if not, you can always learn from your mistakes (decision- making dilemma)!

Remember there are no “bad” decisions No matter which decision you make, it contains a lesson and a benefit. Failure to act is a failure to seize and opportunity, a failure to grow, and a failure to make progress (inaction- decision making dilemma) Any decision is better than no decision Don’t expect every decision to be perfect. Don’t look for certainty before deciding to act. Don’t wait for others to make decisions for you. Be decisive and choose for yourself! Famous Failures-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLYECIjmnQs