This week at school a large portion of the curriculum is covering the decision process and how to make better decisions at work. One assignment I had was to write about one of the toughest decision I had to make at work. Writing about it has made me analyze myself a bit – I know that sounds out of the ordinary, huh? LOL, right.

You know, sometimes we all have to make decisions that maybe turn out to be not the best outcome for ourselves. Like me – I had to decide to be honest and forthright and, some would say, the outcome kind of sucked for me……as I didn’t get what I really wanted. On the surface, that is true – honesty can certainly mess things up. There are days when I look back and think, “if only this didn’t happen or that didn’t happen….”, but what is the point of that, really? What happened, happened, and I made a decision based on the information I knew at the time.

What is MORE important to me is this – being open and honest always works out for me. While the CURRENT outcome may not be what I had hoped it to be, I know that ultimately my life will benefit from it. For example, I know I can look myself in the mirror and know I didn’t do anything that I even hint at being ashamed about. I can walk with my shoulders high, knowing my reputation and my words can be trusted. Add in my faith in Christ, who is way more faithful than I am, and I cannot really lose, can I?

But, alas, life has a residue of its own, doesn’t it? My decision put into motion other decisions that are out of my control. These decisions affect me today even as I type, and that’s fine. Sometimes these decisions are not very fair – some are even totally off the mark, actually – but that does not diminish the quality of my initial decision. This revelation has been huge for me, as, when I am at my lowest, it is easy to blame myself for making my decision in the first place. But that is erroneous thinking! I did the right thing and I cannot carry the burden for stupid words, decisions, or actions that occur today that are out of my control.

And, on that note, I will NOT be a victim of any current crap that surrounds me! I have not changed, I am the same person I was before with the same work ethics, output, knowledge, and love for what I do – although maybe I’m a tad bit wiser. I will continue to be honest, to look myself in the mirror, and really try to rise above the words and people around me who have their own ideas and opinions of me and my work. While some of these opinions can truly affect my job, I won’t focus on them too much unless they become more official. In fact, I’ve asked for a more detailed description in some cases as ambiguous negatives were spoken to me. So, I think it’s cool and I will focus on the truth and ask others who are pretty smart for feedback, etc.

Oops, but I am getting off track!

Honesty, therefore, is never wrong. Decisions based on honesty and openness, should not be avoided, even if they’re hard to make. Focus more on the long term instead of the short term, get input from people you trust who are not “yes people”, and rely heavily of the Holy Spirit……those are my suggestions when making decisions!

Gina, Analyst of Thoughts, is out