How do you decide what to do at a crossroads in your life?

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I've been agonizing over an academic decision lately and I know I'm making a big deal out of something ultimately not worth all the stress. I wish I could see into my future and see which decision is best!

How do you decide what to do when you have to make a major decision in your life?

[Cataholic]

Someone told me once, when in doubt- don't. I think that can mean some risks aren't taken, and those risks may pay off, but, it always seems like the best decision for me.

[JenBKR]

Oh BOY have I been there...a couple of years ago I was thinking of going to grad school, even got as far as getting accepted and scheduling orientation. I drove myself crazy (and everyone else around me) trying to decide what to do. I asked everyone's advice that I could think of, I prayed over it, talked to some of my old professors...I really obsessed over it for a long time. I felt like it was such a big decision, and I didn't want to make the wrong choice. Finally I just sat down with myself, tuned everyone else out, and made a "pro" and "con" list. I realized that what I really wanted to do was be a mom, and I didn't want to work full time. I figured that spending that amount of money on a graduate degree would be pointless at that time of my life if I wouldn't be working enough to pay the student loans. I have never regretted my decision to not go back to school. ((((hugs)))) and good luck with whatever you decide (and sorry this ended up being so long!)

[cyber-sibes]

I read a book that profoundly changed how I make decisions - it's called "Joy is My Compass" (by Alan Cohen). Joy is what guides me in deciding what will bring me the greater satisfaction with my life. If I'm thinking about two directions to go, I go with the one that feels more joyful & light -- it's where my heart will be.

The journey (even if it looks longer or harder) will not be a burden when your heart is light.

[cyber-sibes]

I just readthis thread, maybe it would help clarify your choices. What an inspiration!

[jackie]

Flip a coin?

[lizbud]

I usually do as someone else said, make up a list of Pros & Cons. The
answer usually becomes very evident for me. Good luck with yours.

[Kater]

Flip a coin?

And if that choice doesn't feel quite right, then you probably have your answer.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Flip a coin?

And if that choice doesn't feel quite right ...

Then FLIP Two more times!

Best outa Three corrects for any Bad Tosses!

[cassiesmom]

I read a book that profoundly changed how I make decisions - it's called "Joy is My Compass" (by Alan Cohen). Joy is what guides me in deciding what will bring me the greater satisfaction with my life. If I'm thinking about two directions to go, I go with the one that feels more joyful & light -- it's where my heart will be.

The journey (even if it looks longer or harder) will not be a burden when your heart is light.

Cyber-Sibes, I'm reading a book by Alan Cohen now called "Why Your Life Sucks - And What You Can Do About It"


Pembroke Corgi, I do both. I hate making big decisions because I'm always afraid I'll make the wrong choice, so I sit down and make a do it/don't do it list and that usually helps me to see it one way or the other.

About flipping a coin - I've read that a coin toss can be effective because it can make you realize which one you're preferring.

I have a co-worker who always says "Better the devil you know than the one you don't" if that helps you at all.

[CountryWolf07]

I will be at a crossroad next spring - after I graduate from the Ohio State Univ. and if I am with Mike still, I may possibly consider something. I just feel that Mike is "it" for me right now, but who knows a year later?

[Cinder & Smoke]

... if I am with Mike still ...

GOOD GRIEF!! "*IF*" ??

Will you STOP *obsessing* over the possibility of breaking up!?
Geepers-Kreeperz ... keep it up and it might happen!

Just ENJOY your relationship with Mike ~ and STOP *worrying* about it!

Enjoy ! ENJOY! ... (And you'll BOTH be Happier Campers!)

[CountryWolf07]

GOOD GRIEF!! "*IF*" ??

Will you STOP *obsessing* over the possibility of breaking up!?
Geepers-Kreeperz ... keep it up and it might happen!

Just ENJOY your relationship with Mike ~ and STOP *worrying* about it!

Enjoy ! ENJOY! ... (And you'll BOTH be Happier Campers!)

Oh no, I didn't mean it like that at all! What I meant was, "if", is that, life is full of surprises and you just never know. Of course I'm enjoying my relationship with Mike! We both are happy. I'm not worried. I have no reason to be.

By the way, I *do* worry too much, mainly more with school/graduation. Mike is my motivation, last night he told me he was happy to see me make it through another quarter and it'll be soon over enough.

[Cinder & Smoke]

What I meant was, "if", is that, life is full of surprises and you just never know.

... I *do* worry too much ...

Exactly my point!!

DON'T worry ~~~ BE HAPPY!!

Now TRY it!

[emily_the_spoiled]

I have used a book called "What colour is your parachute?" It is helpful in that it makes you think of your choices through many different lenses and it tries to get you to consider the pros and cons of a decision.

But having said that, I have learned that getting additional education is usually worth it and I have never regretted my decisions to go to university (3 times).