How to Make Smart Decisions Every Time: A Beginner’s Guide

A beginner’s guide to help you start making smarter choices today

The Ruler
Horizon Hub
3 min readFeb 23, 2024

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Image by author generated from Midjourney

Making decisions can sometimes feel tricky, like choosing the right path in a big, unknown forest. But don’t worry! Just like learning how to ride a bike, making smart decisions is a skill you can get better at with practice.

1. Know What You Want

The first step is like having a map. You need to know where you want to go. Ask yourself, “What is important to me?” This could be anything from wanting to do well in school, making new friends, or saving money to buy something special. Knowing your goal helps you choose the right path.

2. Gather Information

Imagine you’re a detective looking for clues. The more you know, the easier it is to make a good decision. If you’re trying to decide which sport to play, find out about the different options, like soccer, basketball, or swimming. What do they involve? What do you need to start? Asking questions and looking for answers helps you understand your choices better.

3. Think About the Pros and Cons

This step is like weighing apples and oranges on a scale. For each choice, think about the good things (pros) and the not-so-good things (cons). Writing them down can help you see more clearly. For example, if you’re choosing between riding your bike or taking a bus to school, consider things like time, cost, and exercise.

4. Listen to Your Gut

Sometimes, after thinking hard, you might still feel unsure. That’s okay! It’s time to listen to your gut feeling. How does each choice make you feel? If something feels really right or really wrong, it’s important to pay attention to that feeling.

5. Make a Choice and Learn From It

Now, with all your information and feelings in mind, it’s time to choose. Remember, making decisions is like practicing a sport — the more you do it, the better you get. And don’t worry about making the “perfect” choice. Every decision is a chance to learn. If things don’t go as planned, it’s okay. You can always make a new decision based on what you’ve learned.

6. Ask for Advice

Talking to someone you trust, like a family member, teacher, or friend, can give you new ideas or help you see things differently. It’s like getting a second opinion from a doctor. Just remember, the final choice is yours.

Epilogue

Making smart decisions doesn’t have to be scary. With a bit of practice and by following these steps, you’ll find yourself making choices with confidence. Remember, each decision is a step on the path of learning how to make the best choices for yourself. So, go ahead and start making smart decisions today!

If you’ve enjoyed this article, I highly recommend exploring other articles from my “Startup Guide” list that delve into similar themes and subjects.

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