NSCC: Counseling Center - Decision Making

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Ways to Approach Decision Making

Note: This page provides information only. It is not meant to replace a face-to-face consultation with a trained counselor. If this is an emergency, please contact 911 or the local emergency number found in your area phone book. Seattle residents can find local help through the Crisis Clinic listed on the Counseling Contact page.

Define the Problem

What result do you want from the decision? Decide on the result and state it, such as "I want a new coat," or, "I want to declare a major field of study," or "I want to apply for a job."

Examine and Clarify your Interests and Values

Interests and values are important to make your decision. What is important to you in a coat? Warmth? Status? Cost? What is important to you in your job? Short commute? Flexible hours? Sense of purpose?
You may have to rank your priorities or, in some cases, modify your interests or values to come to a final decision.
Your long-range interests and values might be different from your current ones. Think about how they might change.

Make an Action Plan

Making a decision is active and continuous. Remember, a plan of action can be changed. Thinking about choices does not force you to select those choices. You can always change your mind.
Be aware of how much time you are willing to spend to make this decision.
Know that there are different ways to make decisions -- painful, impulsive, intuitive, agonizing and delaying. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses. You may want to experiment with a different approach if the approach you usually use is not working.
You may need to gather information. For example, you may need to visit several stores to determine what coats cost, talk to people studying in the major you are interested in, or visit your potential job site.
Estimate how much time, effort, money, and other resources your plan of action will require and adjust your plans as you go.

Determine your Alternatives

There are many roads you can take to reach a destination. Similarly there are a number of ways to satisfy your interests, values and goals.
Find and weigh advice and information. For example, you might ask the salesperson if the coat will need dry cleaning which will add to its total cost. Ask instructors about educational programs to see if the requirements are what you expected. Ask advisors, counselors, and professionals in the field about what it is like to work in various jobs.
Think ahead to consider the results of your decision, even though you know that you cannot predict the future. Remember, you can change your mind and thus, your decision.

Narrow your Alternatives

Eliminate the least desirable alternatives until only a few are left.
Recognize that values and goals may need to be reconsidered. For example, perhaps it is a bad time of year to buy a coat, maybe you are not ready to pick a major, perhaps you want to stay in school instead of applying for a job.

Start Action

Decide what you must do and when you must do it in order to put your decision into action. For example, you will want to get to the coat sale before it ends, register for classes, or fill out the job application while there is still time.
Remember, although it is impossible to make a perfect decision, you can take responsibility for making the best decision possible at the time.
Congratulate yourself and enjoy the results of your decision!

An Alternative Way to Make a Decision

Some people find it easier to make decisions by sketching their options. The following example may be helpful:

In the center of a piece of paper, state the result you want, such as, "I want to choose a career."
Around the statement, write down important considerations as they come to you. Look to see if any patterns emerge.
Weigh whether some considerations are more important to you than others. Show how important each consideration is by circling or highlighting them. This will help you focus on what you need to do next.

For more individual help in dealing with your decision making skills, NSCC students can contact the Counseling Center to make an appointment with a counselor.