5 Simple Steps to Truth Mindset Decision-Making

Some women contend that, in its simplest form, life is a series of choices. This is true. It is not that simple because life itself is not that simple. The complexity of life or, rather, living life means that the choices the average woman faces over a lifetime are equally complex. These choices range from simple survival decisions (Should I eat that mushroom?) to difficult moral personal choices (Should I speak out against this injustice and incur increased personal risk?). 

The one thing that all these decisions have in common is the option of action and outcome. However, because the nature of these actions and their potential consequences vary wildly, a strategy can only encompass the decision process. This is where an understanding of what a decision is becomes important.

A decision is simply the action of deciding something. A woman faced with a choice makes a choice. The most basic example of this is the proverbial fork in the road. When facing a fork in the road, you can choose to go left or right. You stop while you think for a period, then decide to go either left or right. Once you decide, you take the chosen path. 

That is straightforward and obvious. The answer to that question is yes. But, to a greater extent, the answer is no. To become a more efficient and focused decision-maker, you need to understand all the processes that went into making the simple decision above.

Truth Mindset decision-making starts with submitting our intentions to God's will and humbly following His direction. The problem is that most women do not know how to follow God's will in every decision they face, especially the big, life-altering decisions.

This 5-step plan lays out a spiritual road map for Truth Mindset decision-making:

Step 1: Think about a solution. The path you were taking split in two.

• Pray for God's direction.

Before proceeding, get God's perspective on the issue. Proverbs 28:26 says, "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered."

• Give it to God.

You must completely submit to God. When you humbly and fully submit to God, you can be confident that he will illuminate your path. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Step 2: Consider the nature of the problem. Because the trail split, you were forced to go either left or right to reach your destination. All decisions have a price. It will cost you energy, money, reputation, resources, talents, and time.

• Ask for advice.

Talk to someone who has made a similar decision and to friends who know your strengths and blind spots. Proverbs 24:6b says, "For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety."

• Take your time.

Whenever people pressure you to make a decision, it is okay to say, "I will have to get back to you." It is more important to make a wise decision than a quick decision. Proverbs 20:25 says, "It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry."

Step 3: Choose between the two options and continue. 

• Frame your attitude.

Your attitude must be of trust and obedience as you commit the decision to prayer. There is no reason to be fearful when you know God has your best interest in mind. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

• Exercise full faith. 

Remember, too, that decision-making is a process that takes time. You may have to resubmit your will repeatedly to God's will throughout the decision-making process. In faith, trust God with a confident heart that he will reveal his will. Hebrews 11:6

Step 4: Utilize your experience, knowledge, and intuition and decide which choice best suits your needs. 

• Prepare for problems.

In faith, expect the best. Expect God to work in your life. But also prepare for the problems that are part of every decision. Proverbs 22:3 says, "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished."

• Stick to facts.

There is no contradiction between faith and facts. Find out everything you can before you decide. Proverbs 13:16a says, "Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly."

Step 5: Make the decision. Finally, you again began moving toward your destination based on that decision.

• Face your fears.

Perfectionism paralyzes potential. Trust God and start moving despite your problems, fears, and doubts. God has always used imperfect people in bad situations to get his will done. Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, "He that observeth the wind shall not sow, and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap." 

• Act on decisions. 

Once you decide with sincere intentions of pleasing God, incorporating Biblical principles, and wise counsel, proceed with confidence. Know that God will work out His purposes through your decision. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

As you can see, the simplest of decisions entails several steps. In most cases, women handle these steps subconsciously without being aware of what they are doing. This autopilot method is fine when women face simple decisions. However, when more complex decisions are required, not understanding the process can give rise to difficulties.

Every day, women face numerous choices. Whether it is about your career, children, finances, health, or marriage, for Christians, every decision must be Truth Mindset based because they reflect our desire to glorify God in all we do. A simple, workable plan for making Truth Mindset based decisions will keep you on track, pursuing God's plan for your life.