Dare
to decide! If we don't, that old thief, "procrastination"
will steal our lives away. What use is the free
agency our Creator has given us if we don't have the
courage to decide? We won't be alone in making decisions:
God will help us; our family and loved ones will help
us; experienced experts will help us. Then, as we gain
experience in making decisions we will find the courage
to be more daring. The first thing we know, the day
will come when others will seek our opinion. Few skills
contribute to success like the ability to make wise
decisions. Honors and large salaries are paid to trusted
decision-makers.
VALUES:
A strong value system is the basis for making wise decisions.
Values
can be found in scriptures, writings of modern-day prophets,
and great men such as Benjamin Franklin. They stand
the test of time. Prayer keeps us in tune with the Holy
Ghost and when we listen to the Spirit we will remember
our values and make wiser decisions. A premiere value
system will provide us with an eternal perspective and
celestial laws.
GOALS:
After we have values, we can set productive goals.
Goals
are God's answer to the distractions of latter-days.
They help us focus. They prevent "fluttering in
all directions and flying in none." Goals that
are not written are mere wishes and lack power. Not
only should they be written but they should be referred
to on a regular basis, preferably daily. As we do so,
we should envision them as being a reality. We
need to think positively and expect success: "Success
is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal."
If any of us have not yet taken advantage of goals setting,
we should try it, we'll like it! At the end of a year
we will have accomplished more with goals than we would
have without them, promise!
SURVEY:
Skilled decision-makers always survey facts and counsel
with experts before they act. When
they do so, they may uncover data that will put an end
to the matter.
Major
decisions can be easier than minor ones. We can always
depend on God's word, so how about consulting our patriarchal
blessing? Scriptures and Church conference addresses
will never lead us astray. Once we are able to discern
the promptings of the Spirit, we can relax and trust
our decisions. We will "feel" when it is "right."
Minor
decisions may be more elusive, especially when deciding
between two right choices such as: "Shall I go
to my son's scouting event or to my daughter's music
recital?" We want the decision to be fair; it
may even require a family council.
DECIDE:
Decide who? what? why? and how? where? when? Oftentimes,
elaborate plans bog down on the last question (when?).
Once an event is scheduled, write plans down, post action
to be taken and by whom. Notify all parties concerned
and then follow through by "Inspecting what we
are expecting."
ACT:
Remember, no matter how important our value system,
no matter how strong our goals, no matter what
facts we surveyed, no matter what we decided,
it will all be in vain if we do not take action
and do it!
NOTE FROM ELMA: At times, I have added fasting to
my prayers, and when I do, the Lord always answers my
prayers, and the answer is always perfect. I can then
relax and trust my decision, for truly, "His yoke is
easy and His burden is light" (Matt 11:30).
Questions
for Major Decisions
Pertaining
to my values/goals
