If I were to list out several words that describe my
decision-making style they would be: contemplative, calculating, careful,
patient and knowledgeable. The opposite of these would be rash,
open, adventurous, impatient and uninformed.
There have been a few times in my life where I have made
decisions based on the words opposite of how I normally make
decisions. Usually, when I make decisions this way, the end result
does not turn out well for me. Due to my past choices, I try not to
take too many risks. I understand that often with high risk, comes
high reward; however, with high risk also comes high loss. I am not so adverse
to uncertainty that I cannot make risky decisions; however, I like to be
thoroughly informed. An example of this comes from when I was in
college. I desperately wanted a digital camera. Before I
was going to buy one, I learned everything about cameras that I
could. I looked at the benefits of both a DSLR and a compact camera.
Not only did I research price differences, but I also looked at the
difference in image quality, and wanted to make sure it took HD
video. At this time not a lot of cameras took HD video without
paying a significant amount more. Being a college student, I knew I
did not have a lot to spend. After careful consideration and
unwilling to go over my budget of $250, I knew I would not be able to get the
camera I wanted. Rather than saving for the very expensive dream camera
, I waited. I waited almost three years for the camera that had
everything I wanted to come down in price. There are both good and
bad to this type of decision making. The good suggests that I am
patient and willing to wait for what I want. The bad suggests that
it took me three years to by a camera and missed a lot of great pictures in
that time.
Because I like to be knowledgeable on my decisions, I often come
to the conclusion that there is no right decision. Whether I am
looking at purchases or decisions at work, I often realize that sometimes
decisions are just decisions, and I just have to hope that the one I make works
out. If I were to apply some of the opposite terms to my decision
making style, I feel that it would open me up to trying new things and enjoy
the world a little bit more. Years ago I made a rash, decision to go
on a backpacking trip to Europe for a month. I went with my cousin
and my best friend. Our plan was to visit Germany, Ireland, Scotland
and Amsterdam. When I landed in Europe, I only had $500 in my bank
account and no specific plan. Before the trip was over, I ran out of
money and ended up borrowing from my parents. Not only that, but ended up
sleeping in an airport for several nights in a row because I could not afford
to stay in a hostel. Many would suggest that this decision was a
poor one (mostly my parents); however, I look back at the trip as being one of
the most fun and exciting trips I’ve ever taken. We never knew where
we were going to stay next, or what we were going to see. Because
the trip was successful, and I was able to get back home safely, I felt that
the trip was a success. Although, I did
not follow the decision making style I frequently use now, I still feel it was
a great time.
As I’ve grown older, my decision making styles have adapted and
changed. I make less risky decisions now that I have a wife and
child. I care more about what I do and how I do
it. Decisions I make are based on what will provide them with the
life they deserve. I feel I can change some of my decision making
style a little to see things from a different perspective and still be able to
make good knowledgeable decisions.
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