How To Make Smart Decisions --Success is largely a matter of making wise choices. As F. W. Boreham said, "wemake our decisions and then they make us." That's why every decision has an element of risk to it. We cannot always predict the outcome. Are you dealing with any difficult decisions these days? Try following these eight steps for decision-making from the book of Proverbs in the Bible. --Step 1: ~ Pray For Guidance.(Principle of Inspiration) -Start by asking God to help you see His perspective on the problem. Intuition is often wrong. "A man is foolish to trust onlyhimself. But those who use GOD'S WISDOM are safe." Prov. 28:26 --Step 2:~ Get The Facts! (Principle of Information) -Don't make decisions out of ignorance. Find out all you can first. "Every prudent man acts out of knowledge" Prov. 13:16 "How stupid to decide before knowing the facts." Prov. 18:13 ""Get the facts at any price.. . . "Prov. 23:23 ) --Step 3: ~ Ask For Advice. ( Consultation) -Talk to someone who has already taken the rise if possible. It's wise to learn from experience - but it is even wiser to learn form the experiences of others! That way you don't have to learn everything the hard way. "Get good advice and you will succeed. Prov. 20:18 ) "The intelligent man is always open to new idea - in fact the looks for them Prov. 18:15 ) --Step 4: ~ Set Your Goal. ( Selection) -Be sure you understand the reason and purpose for the decision you're about to make. You can't chase two rabbits at the same time. "An intelligent person AIMS at wise actions, but a fool start off in many directions." Prov. 17:24 --Step 5 : ~ Count The Cost~ ( Evaluation) - This is called "calculated risk". :Ask yourself (1) Is it necessary? (2)What will it cost. . .in terms of time, energy, money? (3) Is it worth it? "It is a trap to dedicate something rashly, and only later to consider your vows." Prov. 20:25 --Step 6: ~ Plan For Problems ~ (Preparation) - Remember Murphy's law - and he was an optimist. Don't ignore problems - they won't ignore you. So be prepared. "Don't go charging into battle without a plan." Prov. 20:18 "A sensible man watches for problems and is prepared to meet them. The fool never looks ahead and suffers the consequences."Prov. 22:3 --Step 7: ~ Face Your Fears ~ (Confrontation) -Fear is not a sign of weakness - it is a sign of your humanity. Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather it is moving ahead in spite of your fears. "Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety." Prov. 29:25 --Step 8: ~ Go For It! (Initiation) This is the point at which you must stop talking and start acting. You must begin! "Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed." Prov. 16:3