A good result is not everything: A good decision is not always the one with the best result. Results are partly outside your control.
Careful, honest, informed: A good decision is one you made carefully, honestly, and with the information you had at the time.
Four questions to ask: Ask yourself four simple questions:
- Did I understand the real problem?
- Did I look at more than one option?
- Did I think about the effects on my family and my future, not only today?
- Would I feel at peace explaining this choice to someone I respect?
Mostly yes means decided well: If the answer to most of these is yes, you decided well — even if the result is not perfect.
Example
Bilal's evening work offer: Bilal is offered extra evening work for more money. It would help the family budget, but he would miss time with his little daughter every evening.
Money helps, time costs: He asks the four questions. He sees that the money helps today, but the lost time with his daughter is a cost too. He decides to take the work only three evenings a week.
Careful, honest, balanced: That is a good decision: careful, honest, and balanced — not rushed by money alone.
Key Terms
- Good decision (اچھا فیصلہ) — a careful, honest choice made with the information available
- Consequence (نتیجہ) — what follows after a choice
Fresh diagram to be drawn: A small card with the four questions, in Project Desk colours, to be reused in the Reader.
- A good decision is careful and honest, not only lucky in its result.
- Ask the four questions before you decide: the real problem, other options, effects on family and future, and peace of mind.