Each of the myriad decisions we make every day has the potential to have a profound impact on our lives. Some choices touch us to our very cores, awakening poignant feelings within us. Others seem at first to be simple but prove to be confusingly complex. We make the best decisions when we approach the decision-making process from a balanced emotional and intellectual foundation. When we have achieved equilibrium in our hearts and minds, we can see both sides of an issue or alternative. Likewise, we can accept compromise as a natural fact of life. Instead of relying solely on our feelings or rationality, we utilize both equally, empowering ourselves to come to a life-affirming and balanced conclusion.

Balance within and balance without go hand in hand. When you are called upon to choose between two or more options, whether they are attractive or distasteful, you should understand all you can about your choice before moving forward. If you do not decide on a place of balance, you risk making choices that are irrational and overly emotional or are wholly logical and don’t take your feelings into account. In bringing your thoughts and emotions together during the decision-making process, you ensure that you consider everything possible before moving forward. Nothing is left up to chance, and you have ample opportunity to determine which options follow your values.

Though some major decisions may oblige you to act and react quickly, most will allow you an abundance of time to mull over your choices. If you doubt your ability to approach your options in a balanced fashion, take an extended time-out before responding to the decision. This will give you the interlude to ensure that your thoughts and feelings are in equilibrium. As you practice achieving balance, you will ultimately reach a state of mind where you can easily make decisions that honor every aspect of the self.