Decisions

Funny thing just happened.  I had a complete "blog" done.  I just deleted it all.  It was way too negative.  I was lamenting on the state of the world today.  Riots, protests and terrorism in the news.  Its a crazy world we live in folks.  I was also going off on the next generation and how we were in big trouble.  How we are in big trouble.  The next generation is ________.  (add your own word or words here)

Ok, as you can see, I am still a bit negative.

This blog tho is titled decisions.  Why is that you may ask?  It is titled decisions because I feel we are not teaching our sons and daughters how to make decisions.  We are giving them a hammer and telling them nothing about what a hammer is used for. 

Please Mike, explain what it is your are trying to say.........

Enter the classroom of Mike Orlowski and Decision Making 101.

Mike's Decision making is based upon two methods.  The first of which is thought processed.  Thought process utilizing common sense, reason and logic.

Take any decision.  You want to buy a car for example.  Lets utilize common sense.  Common sense would dictate that you need a car to go to work.  Common sense says you need a car to take care of your family.  Common sense will lead us to reason.  The reason I need a car is because my old car is costing me money.  The reason is that my old car is unreliable.  Reason will lead us to logic.  Logic states that the cost of owning my current car far exceeds what a new or used one would cost. 

You need to write these down on paper, kind of like a pro and con thing, but please utilize the common sense, reason and logic words as they will complete several different thought processes on their own. 

As a side note, the lack of or absence of any of these, common sense, reason and logic are my definition of hell.  More on this later in another blog.

The second decision making method is based upon feeling.  This one is somewhat easier.  First, make believe that you have already made your decision.  Does this put a smile on your face?  If it does the decision is good.  If it doesn't, it is bad.  Anytime, and I mean anytime, you have to justify your decision, even a little bit, it is bad.  You can however, use this method to alter your decision to allow for a good feeling.  An example would be that new car.  You can feel the pressure and stress of that car payment.  Well, how about a used car, one that is nice and reliable and with the smaller loan payment and will cost you much less on car insurance.  Ah, there is that smile.  Get it.  I hope so.  Lets not just "teach our kids" to make good decisions.  Lets "teach" our kids how to make a good decision.  Did you get the subtle difference? 

I had to make so many decisions growing up.  I can remember my neighbor lady asking me when I was much younger what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I can remember saying "I want to be a pilot"  She looked at me and said "You have to make a choice Mike, you can't be both".

I don't know what she meant by that.  Just kidding, I am trying to lighten the mood here.  I am still a bit negative.  I think I am turning into one of those old men that I used to say............oh crap.  Who's kidding who, I am one of those old men.