Decisions, Decisions—Three Powerful Questions
When I was a judge, I was very good at making decisions. That was my job. What evidence will be admitted… what witnesses will be allowed to testify… how long will I allow attorneys to talk… should this person be released to go to jail and if so, for how long? All day long, from trivial to matters of life and death, I was very good at making decisions. However, in my business I have found even the smallest decisions to be challenging. Maybe it’s because I have no set of rules and regulations guiding me or because the decisions I now make are personal. Whatever the reason, I am working on this new skill set.
As a judge, I had a clear framework upon which to make decisions, but in my personal life, I had to create my own framework. When there is no clear right or wrong answer, I have three questions I ask myself when deciding what I will do.
• Does this opportunity align with my values?
• Does this opportunity align with my purpose?
• Does this opportunity align with my goals?
Although these questions are similar, they are all distinct and unless I can say ‘yes’ to each of them, I won’t move forward. What framework do you use when you’re making decisions? Do you just look for a sign or a feeling, or do you have a specific framework?
Being a judge was great, but I was not free to speak about my faith in a way that I wanted, nor take money for certain training or speaking events. When I decided to retire from the bench, I was looking for another position to bring in income while I built my business. I was approached to be an executive director by this great foundation. Their values were in line with my values of service. Their values were in line with my overall purpose to impact the world for the better. And while the pay was definitely in line with what I wanted, the position did not align with my purpose. They were very clear that they wanted me to put in more than 40 hours a week and be on call almost 24 hours a day. Well, I was retiring because I wanted more freedom and time to devote to building my own business. So, I turned it down. They came back and offered me a fellowship that allowed me to participate with this great firm, but on my own terms. I travelled to Africa and met extraordinary leaders doing what I wanted to do—serve others.
Presiding Action
We can’t avoid making decisions. Failing to make a decision is a decision that may have unintended consequences. What’s next for your career? Should you continue in a ministry or relationship? Should you date this person or move to that area? The three powerful questions above can help you decide. In addition to a good framework, you can always take a recess and get wise counsel. You can pray and ask God for guidance—but at then end of the day, you alone will have to make a decision. Even if you make a mistake, trust that all things are working for your good.
