A decision is a final resolution arrived at after much consideration or deliberations. We make decisions daily, from what to eat, drink or wear to big stuff relating to our jobs , family and relationships.
The society we live in also plays a role in guiding the decisions that we make. Sometimes, it's influence is so subtle that one does not know or notice it while othe influences can be quite conspicuous.
For the conspicuous influence , I can give an illustration of our childhood days. Our parents decided for us what we would eat, drink and wear. In fact some parents decide when it's bedtime too and unsurprisingly, this tendency goes on through adulthood.
A man was told by his father not to marry a woman from certain tribes and ethnicities. This young man obeyed or should I say that he formed a decision not to marry any woman from so and so tribe , no matter how pretty, well-behaved or smart the women were. Till date, that young man is still unmarried.
Some persons have a certain superstitious notion about something in particular, simply because their society influenced their decisions about that thing.
This is why ”Knowledge is power” and having good friends with good heads matter. It is often said that two good heads are better than one. Hence, one has to surround themselves with people who know right and can influence their decision positively.
Personally, I have found myself making decisions after certain kinds of influences. A funny one I recall was deciding to always eat my rice with groundnuts. I saw an elderly woman do this for a while and when I asked her, she said it tasted great. I didn't want to be left out and so I did the same and ever since then, I usually eat my rice with groundnuts.
I have also made decisions to cut off certain connections and relationships that were toxic. I once made a decision to stop patronizing a particular trader in my community because of saucy and demeaning she acted with her customers. I refused going to her shop to buy things and I have never regretted it.
Personally, this is what has helped me a lot on this journey called life. Having good friends who can inform my choices and still tell me when I'm going astray is the best thing.
The role of popular opinion or influencers in this day and age cannot be exhausted. Some influencers have led their followers and fans astray with wrong or incorrect opinions that informs the followers decision making process.
Having seen the ups and downs of life too many times, I try not to make a decision in a hurry after listening to any influencer. At least, I would wait to verify the information before coming to a conclusion.
Thanks for reading…Shalom
Images used are mine.