Plans

Once you have made a choice, it's time to plan. You want to be able to answer, "Yes", to two questions:

First, "Have you made detailed plans for putting your choice into action?"

You want to write out any actions you need to do. For example, how will you learn the knowledge and skills required for the career you have chosen? Set goals. Think through the steps you will take, and dates by which you plan to accomplish them.

Second, "Have you made plans for how you will handle any of the negative consequences that might arise from your choice?"

Studies show that if you think through how you will handle these possible negative consequences, you will be better able to handle them later.

We know, for example, that when people are offered a job and are told about the "bad" features of the job before they decide to take it, they are more likely to be successful and satisfied than if they are not told. The same is true for medical decisions. If patients consider the possible unpleasant effects of choosing a painful treatment like surgery, they are better able to handle them later. So, review the "losses" or "disapproval" you have noted on your "Decision Balance Sheet" for the choice you have made and plan accordingly.

If you are making a career or education decision, you will find two of our eBooks quite helpful:

• What job is best for you? How to make a decision you won't regret.
• Match Up! Your Personality to College Majors