Many of the decisions you make everyday are based on a mixture of your personal values and the opinions or behaviors of other people. However, you will be much happier if you stick to your principles in business and in life.
In order to ensure that you are making principle-based decisions, follow these three tips:
1. Know what is important to you. Although it is easy to get caught up in the moment, take time to think about what is really important to you before making a decision. Ask yourself if this decision is consistent with your values. If not, why should you be making it?
2. If it feels bad, it probably is wrong. Have you ever made a decision and had an uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach? This uneasiness is most likely coming from your conscience saying that something isn’t right and you shouldn’t be doing it. When this happens, listen to your instincts and know that things would have turned out better if you hadn’t acted so impulsively.
3. Consider all sides of the story. Before making any big decisions, consider every option possible and weigh the pros and cons of each one carefully. Be sure to ask for advice from other people who may have more experience than yourself as well. Although it is important to follow your own principles when making a decision, it is also important to know the principles of others that are involved in the decision-making process as well. This will allow you to see another point of view and take their perspective into consideration when making a decision. It will also help you understand why they may be reacting negatively about a decision that was made since they may have different principles than you do.
