Most of the time we rationalise the options that life presents us with when we make decisions. These decisions are based on circumstances. After a while we realise that it was not a decision that one really wanted to take, but it was because of circumstances one took that decision. And, somewhere down the line we start living a life of regrets.
But, when we “consider” all options and its outcomes, and then put aside an option, we make a choice. There’s a very thin line between a choice and a decision, but the outcomes and impact of each are much different. The decision often comes from the mind whereas a choice is often from the heart or intuition or sometimes from what we call as a gut feel. A decision, many times is obligatory to others but a choice is mostly free of such obligations, which is why no one else can be responsible for the choices we make. We cannot put a burden of responsibility on others if “we” make a choice.
I think we have forgotten to be comfortable about what our inner compass tells us and that has made us crippled with decision making. We are so low on our confidence that we rely on internet search, spreadsheets and calculate our way forward. This is also because of the accountability we fear to take in our professional roles that we always are in a need to prepare for answers than take responsibility of actions based on choices to be made after all considerations and putting aside options. This makes us doubt our internal voices and bring us back to rational decision making.
I personally appreciate most adults who often have a child in them still alive. A child never makes decisions. If the child wants something, it is often not with a rational decision, it is because he / she just wants it. Adults get into the trap of rationalisation and decision based on the out-come of spreadsheets and calculations. We often let go of many opportunities afraid of being proven wrong and failing. But, if you see many successful entrepreneurs, they made their choices not caring of the outcomes and failing. I am sure we would have not seen products such as Twitter and Whatsapp if the founders did not move on the path of being unreasonable beyond the fear of failure and doubts. By nature, we have become too risk averse that we are forgetting to live our lives. As I realised in one of the training programs, we as adults are exercising choices only in case of our clothes and food and beyond that many of us are stuck in rationalising based on judging if what we are doing is right or wrong, good or bad etc. Making choices liberates us from pressures of circumstances.
One of the basic difference I have found between making decisions and making choices is that choices are often based on being authentic. Many times, we decide based on logic and our inner voice makes you regret that decision.
I can understand that it may appear that there is just a thin line between a decision and choice, and at times decisions may be necessary, choices make us feel more in control and not a slave to / victim of circumstances. So, go ahead and make choices and take ownership of the choices you make.
