2. Developing Decision-Making Skills
Chapter 4
Developing Decision-Making Skills

3. Making Mature Decisions
Focus Topic
Making Mature Decisions
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4. Qualities of a Good Decision
Indicates the use of mature thinking skills
Reflects your values
Helps you reach your goals
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5. Importance of Intellectual Maturity to Decision Making
If decisions are made with intellectual maturity, the resulting decisions
are logical
consider possible consequences
consider long-term impacts

6. Discuss
Does your point of view affect how you interpret information? Does your point of view affect the conclusions you draw?
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7. Why Consider Others’ Points of View?
You may benefit from what others in similar situations have learned.
You may be more able to identify the possible consequences of your own situation.
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8. Evidence of Mature Thinking Skills
Thinking in abstract
Thinking logically
Thinking about yourself in the future
Predicting possible outcomes
Comparing ideas and deciding which outcome seems best

9. Importance of Social and Emotional Maturity to Decision Making
Making good decisions involves knowing how to control emotional reactions and take time to think about a response.
With social and emotional maturity, you will be able to make choices that benefit yourself and others.

10. Values Impact Decisions
Your values include all the ideals and beliefs that are important to you.
Your values are influenced by
family
culture
society
personality
environment
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11. Personal Values These are highly important to you as an individual.
Personal values include
positive attitude
religious beliefs
physical attractiveness
personal interests and hobbies
fitness

12. Relationship Values
These are important to your relationships with others.
Relationship values include
mutual respect
acceptance
kindness
commitment
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13. Work Values These are important to your view of work.
Work values include
type of atmosphere and work environment
teamwork or independence
routine tasks or unique duties

14. Goals Impact Decisions
A goal is something you want to have or achieve.
Short-term goals are measured in days, weeks, or a few months.
Long-term goals are measured in many months, even years.

15. Discuss
Choose one long-term goal you have. How could you divide it into short-term goals?
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16. Use Values to Set and Accomplish Goals
Physical fitness
Goal
To be physically fit
Subgoals
Lose 10 pounds
Develop good muscle tone
Short-term goals
Lose 1 pound per week
Exercise 3 times per week

17. Develop a Plan of Action to Carry Out The Goal
Goal: Lose 10 pounds
Steps
Time
1. Limit fat intake.
Monday a.m.
2. Identify types and quantity of foods for each meal.
Monday p.m.
3. Identify low-calorie snacks.
4. Purchase low-calorie foods.
Tuesday

18. Identify Possible Obstacles
Ways to Avoid Obstacles
1. Eating out
Choose low-calorie, low-fat restaurant food.
2. Getting hungry between meals
Keep low-calorie snacks available.
3. Sleeping late in the morning
Set two loud alarms. (If needed, have someone make a checkup call or visit.)

19. Discuss How do standards help you measure progress toward your goals?
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20. Resources Impact Decisions
A resource is anything available to help you carry out your decisions.
Resources may be human or nonhuman.

21. Human Resources Personal qualities Knowledge Talents and skills
Strength and energy
Good health
Other people
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22. Nonhuman Resources Money Possessions Tools Information
Community resources such as schools, museums, parks, and libraries
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23. Reaching Goals by Managing Resources
Identify resources you have and plan how to use them.
Identify resources you need and plan how to get them, such as by
learning a new skill
saving money to buy tools
seeking the help of others

24. Focus Question
How do goals, values, standards, and resources impact the decisions you make?
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