Decide for Yourself

Question: Do you have any tips on decision making?

Firstly, try to ensure that your decisions reflect your dreams and not your fears. We often make decisions based on what we fear could go wrong. That may save us from some problem, but it definitely won’t transport us to our full potential. Average decisions are primarily founded upon fears, amazing decisions are based on dreams, where we acknowledge fears without being restricted and choked by them. 

Secondly, don’t just make decisions which will please people in the here and now, but make decisions which will genuinely serve and enrich them. We look for acceptance, acknowledgement and appreciation, but the bigger thing is to deeply think how we can do the best for them in the bigger picture. Sometimes we may have to take bold decisions (which often meet with opposition) that will serve others in the long term. 

Thirdly, there is a temptation to make decisions based on impulse and intuition, but the best decisions also incorporate inspiration and guidance. We have to follow our heart’s calling, but hearing from others can often help us better identify that inner calling. Just like Arjuna, who turned to Krishna for guidance, we have the opportunity to get feedback on our intentions from spiritual books and spiritual friends. 

(Excerpt from the upcoming “Tattva2: Old Words Open New Worlds”)