Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy

Welcome to Day 89 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom.

10 Principles to Make Wise Decisions (2)

Thank you for joining us for our 7 day a week, 7 minutes of wisdom podcast. This is Day 89 of our Trek. Yesterday we started on a new trail and visited the first 2 out of 10 waypoints along our path, which will assist us in making wise decisions. Today we continue on our trail as we explore waypoints 3-6.

We are recording our podcast from our studio at The Big House in Marietta, Ohio. Today was spent catching up with some client work while listening to training and podcast.  It is such a convenience to be able to listen and learn “on-demand” about any subject imaginable. Although I was not that great of a traditional student, exploring and learning new information through hands on training continues to fascinate me.  As Paula and I make plans to provide online training, mentoring, and coaching for entrepreneurs and small business owners, there is a lot for us to learn on how to properly set up an online membership training platform.

This week we are honored to be guests on two other podcasts.  The first one is called “Small Business Drivers” and the host is Nicky Roche, a successful Australian small business owner.  The second one is called “Journey of a Marriage” and the host is Roy Chumley.  He interviewed both Paula and I about our successful and lasting marriage.  It was an appropriate time as we are celebrating our 36th anniversary this week.  Links to both of these podcasts can be found in today’s journals or on “The Big House” section of the website.

As with any skill in life, making wise decisions comes with practice and experience.  Many times that experience is gained by making unwise decisions. The fact is that if we learn from this experience then we will make increasingly wise decisions in all areas of life.  If you agree that God is the author of wisdom, then decisions which are made in the light of God's word are stable and show wisdom.

 

Since it our desire to make wise decisions in all that we do, our 10 waypoints on this wisdom trail will help us to choose wisdom instead of folly in our decision-making.  It is time for us to break camp now as we continue on our trail of making wise decisions.  On our Trek today we begin with waypoint 3 of 10, so let’s get started. Because of my faith walk I will base our discussions of decision-making on Biblical principles.

3. Is There a Time Pressure Forcing Me To Make An Impulsive Decision?

Unless it is absolutely unavoidable do not make a decision if someone is pressuring you with a deadline or scarcity.  Scarcity and time pressure schemes are two of the most effective, and dangerous, methods that are used to try and force us into making decisions. Rarely are either reason a good reason to make a decision. In order to make a wise decision ask yourself, “Would I make this decision now if there was neither the scarcity or limited time pressure?”  If the answer is “no,” then do not fall prey to these tactics.

Proverbs 19:2, “Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.”

Proverbs 21:5, “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”

Points to consider if there is time or scarcity pressures put on you to make a decision:

Never fall prey to the “once in a life time” deals and the lure of instant gratification. There will always be other opportunities to make the same decision if it is a decision that you need to make.

Don’t let the fear of missing out drive your decision. You will only miss out if you make a decision that is wrong

When in doubt, choose not to decide at this time, which is a decision itself.

 

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