I believe in an instantaneous model of decision making. Now, I don't mean I believe in it in the sense that I believe in good work-ethics. I don't mean that we ought to do it that way, but I believe that this is what happens in reality.
So what do I mean instantaneous model of decision making? I mean that people, for the most part, make up their mind instantly the moment they're faced with a decision (a choice, the options) and all the following facts. Oh sure, some of us are more slower and indecisive than others, and so may take a while to sit around and "agonize" over it and seek advice (which is really confirmation) and just procrastinating on accepting that choice that they've already made in their mind just below the consciousness. You ever notice you tend to ignore advices that don't really go the way you want but tend to really embrace the ones do support what you want?
Some of you may be thinking that I am completely off and wrong. That's ok. But I really do believe that given all the information about a choice, the human mind chooses right away. (I certainly am hugely influenced by that dreaded determinism...but that is a blog entry for another time...and perhaps for another audience). Yes, sometimes, more information comes along the way and may change our mind, but given a set of facts and the subsequent choices, whether you choose at the day after you are given the choice or a week after, chances are you were going to make the same decision.
What is the practical implication? I'm not 100% sure. But this definitely has helped me be more decisive (the flip side is rash...but I have rarely been accused of making rash decisions.)
Let me talk a bit about personal examples. Those of you who only likes reading about somewhat objective parts of my blog can stop reading now, I don't have much more to offer you and you'll just have to chew and brood over it on your own. (But I suppose according to my theory you've already made up your mind about whether to agree or disagree).
I have these moments in decision making which I call "mental clicks". It literally feels like something just "clicked" in my head, and I know what my choice is immediately. I have not always put those choices into actions right away, but they might as well be graved in stone as far as their finality is concerned. Sometimes I may "sit on it" and "seek advice" but I do know that it is done. This I do not think happens to most other people; I may be a minority. But it does demonstrate clearly my belief in this model.
Want to know what kind of decisions I made based on those clicks? For example, it was one of these clicks when I became a Christian.
Sometimes, they're divinely inspired. It definitely was that quiet ordinary night that I acknowledged the presence and influence of God in my life and surrendered my belief in atheism and accepted Christianity as the truth.
Anyway. I digressed a bit. My "application" or "recommendation" is an invitation and an exhortation to be a bit more reflective of your own decision making process, and perhaps a bit more of honesty. Those "clicks" I've been talking about were not some impossible to disobey compulsions (and I do have those as well) but something I've learned over the years to recognize, and it made my life a lot easier afterward. You also may discover your own "click" and find that it makes your decision process a little easier and faster.
I see a lot of people that like to take their time to think and pray about their decisions. I certainly agree that it is a good practice. However, you don't always get to have that time to think and pray about things as you would like. So what is the answer? I think that the more you are in such a habit of constantly seeking after God's will, the more likely your decision will be in line with God's will even if you were to make a snap decision on the spot.
P. S. I realize that I made it sound like I can make those "click" snap decisions and be right because I'm in the habit of constantly seeking after God. That's very far from the truth. Many of the "snap" moments have come after agonizing struggle with myself and God and are often an undeserved blessing from God to give me a small respite in that terrible mental grappling process.
Also, if you disagree with my model completely. Please disregard this whole post and don't be offended as if I'm saying what I say and do is right and I think people ought to imitate me. If only you find something I say resonate with you, then perhaps it will be helpful.
