5.

09 Making Decisions
1. What was the problem or decision to be made?

I had to decide if I wanted to continue doing dance competitions. I didn’t know if I wanted to
sacrifice certain things in exchange for being able to go to them.

2. What were all the options and alternatives?

The first option was to not enter competitions and consequently not being able to spend as much
time with them. The other option was to enter competitions and sacrifice study time.

3. How did you assess all the options and alternatives?

I assessed my options by realizing both had a positive and a negative side. That being said, I
considered what was more important and sustainable for me, since sacrificing study time and
being more stressed would have a major effect in my day-to-day life and habits.

4. What was your final decision?

My final decision was to enter competitions. That was my decision because I valued spending
time with my friends more than good grades.

5. What methods did you employ to make this decision (critical thinking,
representative heuristic, emotional intelligence, etc.)?

To make this decision I only used critical thinking. I thought about what would benefit me in the
long run, and I arrived to the conclusion that dancing brought me more important values.

6. How did you put your final decision into action?

To put my final decision into action, I talked to my dance teacher about my role in the group.
Then I just told her that I was happy to continue in the competition team.

7. What were the consequences/outcomes of employing your final decision?

The main consequence is stress and being less focused on school. But the general outcome is
worth it since dance brings me many good and valuable experiences and I would definitely do
the same next time.