Choice
Choice is the indication of one possibility among several available options, according to criteria, values, constraints or impulse.
Definition
The choice is not always completely free because it is influenced by emotions, context, social norms, cognitive shortcuts and available resources. A mature choice begins with seeing the options, naming the costs, and accepting responsibility for direction. Lack of decision also often becomes a choice by omission.
Key ideas
- Options
- Criteria
- Responsibility
Practice and life
Before an important choice, write down three options: I do A, I do B, I do nothing. For each, specify the cost and consequence.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to pretend that choice has no cost. It is also a mistake to confuse freedom with the lack of restrictions.
> Choice begins where a person sees more than one response.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What options do I really have?
- What cost do I accept?
- Does not making a decision also make a difference?