decisions

The Power of Making Decisions

Everybody talks about motivation and goal setting. It’s timeless. Everyone is also trying to make it look very complicated, like it’s a secret. They even came up with a DVD called “The Secret.” Really? Since when did all of this “motivational” stuff became a secret. When did taking care of yourself and taking responsibility for your own actions become a novelty? Nowadays, people need to actually read a book in order to treat themselves with respect and love. Personally, I don’t believe that you can buy motivation. You either have it or you don’t. I’m not trying to motivate you with this article; instead, I will provide you with the tools to make better decisions and as results live the life you always wanted.

I’m going to talk a little about something we make every day: decisions.

I hope you understand that everything about and around you is a result of your own decisions. Your whole life is a result of your own decisions.  “Decision” is the bridge between your thoughts and your actions.

We make decisions every day. From simple decisions as brushing your teeth to deciding “with or without crème in your coffee.” Everything you do is a result of a decision.

But what is the definition of a “decision” and why is it so important for you to understand this?

When making any decision, whether you like it or not, you are okay with the consequences. We are instantly and subconsciously validating the outcome of our decisions as we are making them.  If you think about it, it only makes sense to make those decisions that will eventually make us happy and achieve our goals; however, that’s not always the case.  For example, when we decide to stay up all night drinking, we are immediately accepting the fact that tomorrow we are going to have a hangover. Why would you complain about being sick after consciously and deliberately make the decision to drink all night? Because we also made a decision to ignore the consequences. It’s almost a state of denial.  As you take responsibility for the consequences of your decisions, you are also deciding to stay in control, therefore, you cannot complain about the outcome. Remember? You accepted the consequences.  By taking responsibility you have the power to change the outcome. If you don’t like or agree with the results of your decisions, change them.  For example, when you decide to go for a swim, you understand and accept the fact you are not going to drown. Bottom line, when making any decision we are accepting the consequences. When people fail to understand this, they will complain about the consequences and will not be happy with the results.

There are two types of decisions: conscious decisions and subconscious decisions.

A conscious decision can also be associated with setting goals. When we set a goal, we consciously agree to follow a set of actions that are required to make that goal become reality.  Everyone has a goal, from trying to lose weight to wanting to become successful or any other goal. When you set a goal to lose weight, you agree to exercise and eat healthy, right? That is because it is a conscious goal; however, lots of people have a hard time accomplishing this goal. You’re probably asking why? When making a decision to eat poorly, subconsciously, you are immediately accepting the consequences. Subconsciously, you are accepting to look and feel poorly.  Somehow, it serves a purpose for you to feel that way. You have probably heard the saying “everything you do is for a reason”. Let me tell you… It is! Your subconscious goal will sabotage your conscious goal. Most of the time, your subconscious goal will prevail. Why? Because it has been there for a long time and it has become part of who you are. You are a walking billboard of your subconscious mind.  If you are like me, you’ll find it foolish to set a goal to become successful but somehow allow your actions to lead you in the complete opposite direction. Why? Because somehow being a victim serves a purpose for you.

Once you understand that making a decision means agreeing and accepting the consequences, you’re going to gain more clarity in making decisions and your success rate will increase.  It’s going to help you “predict” the future. If you’re aware of the consequences, it will only make sense to make the right decisions that support your goals.  My advice to you:  “Don’t make decisions based on how you feel. Make decisions based on what your goals are.”

Thank you and good luck.

—-

World Wrestling Champion and successful entrepreneur, Leo came to the US 10 years ago with $10 on his pocket and 4 words of English.  Combining his work ethic, knowledge, and adherence to discipline, Leo found a way to share his passion for athleticism and personal growth with people of all ages and walks of life. RESULTS STUDIO and LeoFrincu.com became the embodiment of Leo’s burning desire to contribute to the community by enabling people to overcome personal adversity and reach their best potential.

Photo credit: ‘Two Paths‘ by Big Stock

 

  • http://hanofharmony.com/ The Vizier

     Hi Leo,

    Indeed life is about choices and decisions.  Making good choices lead to good fortune, making poor choices lead to misfortune.  

    Whatever choice we make, we have to be prepared for the possible outcomes.  We have to weigh the consequences of that choices against our goals.  Otherwise, we may find ourselves constantly blindsided by life when it is really because we made poor choices.

    Thank you for sharing this lovely article!

    Irving the Vizier

  • Melissa

    We can never foresee the consequences of our decisions. It’s a story we tell ourselves to maintain the illusion of control. Not knowing what leads to what, scares most of us. But hey, relax, nothing is under control. 

  • Vivekrege

    What we are today is a result of what we decided in the past , but very often the decisions is a function of our vision , it depends how big or small the vision is , frankly that’s inside you how hard you try , one cannot visualise big by force , so the decisions are a function of vision , can we do something about expanding our vision …..it’s like carrying a small frying pan and it’s not that we are not aware but we are often afraid to visualise .

  • http://www.DepantsingTheClones.com/ Gary Korisko

    Very good post, Leo. My #1 takeaway from this post is the very last line. 
     “Don’t make decisions based on how you feel. Make decisions based on what your goals are.” Short, simple, wise advice – as well as something I personally need to remember.

    Thank you.

  • http://Mazzastick.com/ Justin Mazza

    Well said Leo. The subconscious mind runs our life and no matter how we try to behave consciously, our subconscious programming will eventually take over.  Have you ever read any of Dr. Robert Anthony’s work on the subconscious mind? He explains it better than anyone else.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_TUE2FCUB4D3PWV2X75GXNYWPJ4 Francis C

    Thank you for pointing out that in life there are two kinds of decisions, and that the subconscious ones usually win! But why should my subconscious decision sabotage my wellbeing, and how do I consciously recognise it and prevent it happening?

  • Jorge

    Nice words , Thank You ..

  • yofitnesswm

    Great read

  • yofitnesswm

    Great read

  • http://www.motivation.net.au/quotes/inspirational-quotes Quotations Inspiration

    You have come up with a very good way to brief us with such a
    useful content.
     

  • 305237129

    好文章!!

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  • Adi Rahman

    I always remember what Buddha says, simple but powerful:
    “If you want to see your past, look in your present condition. If you want to see your future, look your actions today” Thanks Leo..

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