I have found that most major decisions can be broken down into smaller components. I do that first, using a pro/con approach to the smaller issues. By the time I finish with the individual pieces of the problem, I usually have my answer to the big decision. In the event that I am not 100% certain, then I go with my gut reaction. The key to decision-making, as to most things in life, is to just get started and to not let yourself get overwhelmed."
- Catherine, PA

When making a big decision I do two things... First, I distinguish between "fact" and "emotion" and secondly, I try and remember there is a difference between what my heart tells me to do and what my gut tells me to do. For me, "gut = fact" and "heart = emotion". I wish I could say that 100% of the time I always follow one or the other, but the truth is it all depends on how much I listen to the noise that lives between my left ear & my right ear. If I can just get still and release the noise, the right and perfect decision will always be made."
- Rick, NY

Think about it. Talk about it with friends & family. Think about it some more...some times years! Yet it appears as if I make the final decision suddenly!"
- Jodie, WI

I usually pray for guidance, and then I make a decision. Privately, I "try it on" for a few days to see how it feels. If it feels right, then I go full-steam ahead with it. If not, I can change my mind. I'll see how that feels. If that feels wrong, there's probably a third option I hadn't considered that mysteriously appears...and that works. If nothing feels right, I wait and continue praying for patience. It works, and I have no regrets."
- Laura, NV

I have learned to take my time when making big decisions. I ask the opinions of those people who are closest and/or wisest to me. They know my heart, my spirit, my goals and I trust they have my good in mind. I listen to their counsel but more importantly I listen to the voice within and wait patiently to hear its' response."
- Carolyn, GA

Unlike most people I don't mull over decisions for a long time. I usually go with my gut and do what I feel at the moment. Every time I have hesitated and thought over something for awhile I have made the wrong decision."
- Kimberley, Canada

When approaching a big decision, I pause. I look within and ask my gut the question and listen to it's response. I trust my innate inner wisdom. Then, I ask for support around the decision from friends and family."
- Leslie, CA

Like you, Oprah, I discuss the issue with a few close friends. Then I pray. Sometimes I turn it over to my subconscious when I go to sleep and many times, when I awaken, I know what the best decision is for me. No matter what I decide, I will learn from it."
- Jeanne, NY

When getting ready to make a BIG decision, I too, ask friends, pray about it - often times I journal too. I weigh the best scenario that could come of the decision and the worst scenario. Ultimately, I follow my instinct and what my gut is telling me to do. The one time I didn't follow my gut, I made a really bad, life altering mistake. I truly believe God put in us all we need to know to be true to ourselves and we need to listen to it."
- Donna, IN

I look at the pro's and con's. I then decide what would be the best outcome. It may not always be the answer I want but in the long run it will be the only possible solution. Big decisions are not always easy to come by. One has to sit and ponder them before coming up with a final solution."
- Pam, RI