Running

“Be mindful of what you are running to not just what you are running from.” (Nicole Hollar)

Have you ever had a situation in your life where you lost all sense of hope? You felt that your situation was so dreadful that nothing could ever change it for the better? That’s called “desperation.” When things go wrong (as they often will), it's appealing to try something (anything) to make the situation right again.

When an event seems hopeless, don’t make a blurred decision just so you can say you attempted something. Acting from a position of desperation is not the same thing as seeking for a rational, educated viewpoint from someone who can provide that. Below are five guidelines to making right decision to avoid desperation later on:

Be mindful of your values: The decisions you most regret are usually those that don’t match up with what you value. What matters is helping others, and to make a difference. It’s never a good idea to do something that goes against your own values because it will make you very sad. Good decisions match your values, and allow you to lead a life that fulfils you.

Consider the end result: Good decisions are those which give you benefits without losing that’s anything important to you. Try your best not to regret anything because it’s a wasted emotion. Create good results that don’t need fixed later.

Do the death-bed test: A great way of making good decisions is to ask yourself if on your death bed you would regret anything about your choices. This applies as much to not doing things as to doing them. If you decide never to have a shot at improving yourself, starting your own business, or writing a book, would you look back on your life and wish you’d given it a chance?

Face the truth bravely: People sometimes flee from the truth, because it’s scary or unpleasant. Instead of making good decisions based on the reality of a situation, people procrastinate, hide, or delay taking real action. You can only truly be free by acknowledging the truth.  However, difficult, it is to deal with the issue. Rather than avoiding it, realize how brave you are to face that challenge head on.

Look at the long-term: It is easy to make quick decisions that seem to work in the short-term. Don’t go for quick fixes, but observe what works over time. Ask yourself whether this decision is a real solution with beneficial long-term consequences. It’s always worth temporary pain and struggle to make good decisions you won’t regret later on.

“Never make a decision when you’re feeling lonely. Desperate actions lead to regret.” (SayingsPoint.com)[i]

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[i] Adapted from:

·       “5 Tips for Making Good Decisions to Avoid Regret Later On” by Beth Burgess

·       “Break the Walls of Desperation to Enjoy Your Life” by John Thomson

·       “Desperation” by Collins English Dictionary

·       “Desperation” by Merriam-Webster

·       “How to Avoid a Desperate Decision “by Samuel Bacharach