Decisions are the hardest moves to make, especially when it's a choice between what you want and what is right.

I guess we all know that story well.

How often do we struggle facing a decision, since the angel that's sitting on the left shoulder doesn't agree with the devil on the right?

The head says 'NO', but the heart wants it so badly. And then?!

@surfermarly thinking out loud at the beach

Yes! No! I mean...... Yo!

Life is a constant chain of choices.

We ARE our choices. The history we write in our own life's books is defined by the decisions we come to, the paths we strike and the mistakes we make along the way.

The good thing about this coherence is, that nobody else is able to interfere. The disadvantage is: responsibility.

I am not the product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions. - Stephen Covey

Correct.

We are the ones at the wheel.

One single day is made of decisions. Before even being completely awake we make a series of choices: Sweet or salty breakfast? Pants or skirt? Hair down or ponytail?

Most of these type of decisions become part of our daily routine, which means that we don't even make them consiously anymore.

Yet every single step is able to turn our lives into a new direction.

Even a "sweet or salty breakfast" decision is able to have an impact on our future existence. Why? Because it's one element of the chain.

Imagine that you decide on having donuts for breakfast which you don't have at home by chance. You head for the bakery store then where you will meet people you wouldn't have met when staying at home.

You see it? Even daily routine is able to make a difference!

Besides these "accidental game changers" obviously there are decisions we make more consciously since we are aware of their consequences.

We all know these monster decisions that are able to change our whole lives at a moment's notice.

Quitting a job and starting a new one, borrowing in order to build a house, moving to a new country, asking her for her hand in marriage, deciding on having kids..... etc. etc. (that list could be INFINITE).

The definition of a big decision totally depends on our personal circumstances.

What may seem to be an easy routine for person A, could be a huge step for person B.

Independently from our individual situation or background, most of the time we all rely on two main advisers: our heart and our brain (or the other way around).

"Follow your heart, it knows the right way." Really?

Is instinct, feelings and emotions definitely the very best advisor?

What I've learned in my still relatively short life is that there needs to be a balance.

I don't think that any decision should merely follow or emotional or rational arguments.

The heart is an important guide, however we have to listen to its recommendations carefully.

Here is my lesson: Don't make a permanent decision based on a temporary emotion.

Once that emotion is gone, there's a high probability that you'd regret your decision.

So we'd rather take our time and a deep breath before getting ourselves into trouble.

What is the right formula then?

Should we unplug our feelings completely?

I don't think so.

Even game changing decisions in business can't be done only relying on the numbers.

That's why this is my formula:

THINK - FEEL - ACT.

Rational arguments are my basis. Then I cross check them asking my heart. When everything seems to make sense, I go ahead.

OK that was the theory then, haha! Being an impulsive person, that doesn't work all the time for me. But I really try to educate myself...

What definitely helps to find the right path is trying to forecast the future impact a decision might cause.

Try to anticipate the consequences!

Be careful with the desicion that won't make you smile.

You know that a decision was right when you feel peace in your heart. Sometimes you also know that it was right when your bank account is filled up.

Remember also that mistakes are part of the game. We're human beings and not perfect for a reason.

The right decision brings you forward, the wrong decision makes you grow.

Best of luck for all these small and big decisions in your life, steemians!

Marly -

PS: If you are in doubt, remember that marking time won't bring you forward anyways. Be brave!

Original content. Quotes found on pinterest.com and stuffpoint.com, doublequotes.net and pinterest.com.