Incredible India monthly contest of October #2|While making decisions!

Hello greetings dear steemians

Making Decisions: Listening to Myself, Learning from Life

One thing adulthood doesn’t really prepare you for is how often you will have to make decisions. Every single day, we are stocked with choices some small and easy, others huge . What to do, where to go, who to trust, when to speak, stay silent. And the truth is, no matter how much advice or guidance we get, no one really teaches us how to decide.

Lately I have been looking back on the decisions I made in life some I’m proud of and others that make me question myself. Some decisions worked out perfectly why others left me with regrets. But looking back, I can say one thing for every single one taught me a lesson Even the painful ones.

For a while I assumed good decision-making meant always getting it right But I have learned that being wise doesn’t tell perfection but it means honesty being honest with yourself about what you know, what feel, and what you want. Life doesn’t come mapped out so sometimes we just have to trust our own decisions

I used to struggle a lot with indecision. Sometimes I would overthink things so much that I ended up doing nothing. I would go back and forth in my head What if this happens? What if I regret it later? Other times, I made choices too quickly out of excitement or fear, only to regret them later. Both extremes taught me a lesson that balance is key.

Now, before I make a decision, I slow down a little. I ask myself simple questions
Why do I want to do this? Is it coming from pressure, fear, or a genuine desire? Am I doing this because I truly want it, or because someone else expects it from me?

That short moment of self-check has saved me from a lot of wrong turns.

Then I try to look at the bigger picture. I ask myself, Does this decision fit into the kind of life I want for myself or Will it take me closer to the person I am trying to become? The answer is not always clear, but thinking that way gives me perspective. It helps me avoid short-term choices that could lead to long-term regret.

Another thing that keeps me grounded is imagining what would happen if I didn’t take the risk. Although I am not too good with risks but I always consider if I would look back one day wishing I had tried? For me, regret feels heavier than failure. At least when you try, you learn something new. But when you let fear stop you, you’re left with regrets and what ifs.And honestly, I would rather fail and learn than never try at all.

I also remind myself that not every decision has to be made in a rush. Some answers come with time. I’ve had moments where I almost made a choice out of frustration or pressure, but after a night’s rest, things looked clearer. Sleep really helps. Sometimes we just need space to breathe,rethink, let emotions calm down. Decisions taken in a rush often leads to regrets

Father

But life isn’t just about me. There are times where my decisions are ok with me but affect others my friends, my family, I’ve been in situations countless times where I had to choose between being right and keeping peace. It’s not always an easy task especially when you believe strongly in something. But I realized that being right doesn’t always mean being wise. Sometimes, wisdom is in you stepping back, listening and thinking about what sits right with everyone not just what makes me feel justified and above

There's this quiet strength that comes with choosing peace over pride. It does not mean weakness but show's how mature you are to see beyond your ego. I am still in the phase of learning this aspect

And when things feel too heavy when I have too many options or too much fear I focus on what I can control. Just one small step forward. It could be just a prayer, call, chats or simply resting. Taking small actions reminds me that progress doesn’t have to be loud. Even slow movement is still movement.

Over time, I’ve realized that decision making is not about always being confident it’s about trusting yourself enough to move, even when scared. Every big step in life starts with a little bit of uncertainty. Nobody really has it all figured out, no matter how coordinated they look.

There were times I made decisions that scared me deeply. Times I took chances on things I wasn’t sure about friendships, career choices, new paths. Some of those decisions humbled me; others changed me completely. Some left scars, while others opened doors I never imagined existed. But through it all, I can say this: they were mine. I owned them.

And I think that’s what truly matters owning your choices. Even the wrong ones. Because when you do, you are in control of your life. You stop living on peoples perspectives and start shaping your life consciously.

There’s a strange kind of peace that comes from trusting yourself. It doesn’t mean you don't make room for mistakes just that you will handle whatever comes your way. learn, adjust, and keep going.

At the end of the day, decision-making is not about perfection but honesty,openess and willingness to grow. Its just doing your best with what you know and forgiving yourself if things don’t go as planned. Because you’re human, and that’s okay.

So when you find yourself at your next crossroad, don’t rush. Pause. Breathe. Be honest with yourself. Ask what feels true to you not what looks right to others. Then make your choice, and trust it. You’ve survived every decision you’ve made so far, and you’re still standing. You’re still becoming.

And that, is more than enough.

Inviting @kwinberry @ukpono @mhizta