Health & Fitness
Teen Decison Making 101
Making decision can be tough for teens. Here is a simple step-by-step technique to make better choices.
Making decisions in life is not always easy, especially when you are a teen. Growing up and maturing is all about getting out of your comfort zone. You experience stress, and lots of it, from moving out of your comfort zone. You are responsible now for most of the decisions AND consequences in your life both the good and the bad. Here is a quick 101 for teens on how to make big life decisions. The same ideas can apply to smaller decisions it is just a much quicker process. For these steps, there is an example included of what someone might write.
1. Identify what decision you are making-should I have sexual relations with my boyfriend
2. Delineate your possible choices- yes, no
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3. What are potential outcomes (both good and bad) for each choice- If yes, i would need to get protection, i could get pregnant, i could get an STD, i might feel bad about myself, if we break up i will feel even worse about it, but it could bring our relationship to the next level and I could feel closer to him. If no, he might break up with me if i say "no", i won't risk my parents finding out or getting pregnant or getting an STD, i can save the experience for when I'm more emotionally ready, if we break up it won't hurt as much.
4. Make your decision and notice how you feel about it. If you are hyperventilating and chewing your fingernails, perhaps you should rethink your decision. If you feel a sense of excitement but yet feel happy and have an inner calm, this is most likely the right decision for you.
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This particular example is a big life decision. Don't you agree it would be worth thinking about ahead of time? Decision making is not always easy, especially for teens. Your hormones are flying, new and exciting experiences present themselves, friends are pressuring each other, and parents are trying to exert their own influence. Teens, if you have a big decision that you are making in your life, take the time to think it over, talk to others for advice, and gather information if needed. You ARE worth that extra time and effort.
Happy Decision Making,
Sheri Gazitt, Teen Wise