7 Important Life Decisions

There are some things we cannot control- the family we were born into, our genetic code to name two examples.  When I was growing up, I was told multiple times that a few decisions were very important and could impact me for the rest of my life.  While this is partially true, I think there exists multiple paths to happiness.  It’s not as if you “miss the boat” if you decide not to go to an Ivy League school.  There’s also a lot of fluff out there regarding the most important life decision.  One look at an infomercial might convince you that purchasing life insurance is without a doubt the most important decision you will ever make.  While there are some laughable examples you can find out there, it’s worth thinking about which decisions could ultimately impact you for the rest of your life.  Here’s my list.

1. Your education

In our society, education is the universal key that opens up an endless realm of possibility.  A college degree, while it might be expensive and difficult to obtain, is one of the most valuable things you can possess.  Chances are that you college major will determine the industry you work in, your job, and your income out of college.    

2. Your friends and what kind of friend you are

While we cannot choose our family, we can choose our friends.  Your friends determine what kind of person you will be.  For instance, if you choose to spend time with positive people, you will notice yourself developing a positive outlook on life.  

3. Whether or not to do drugs, alcohol, and tobacco

One of the biggest obstacles facing young people are drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.  The temptation to partake in these activities is everywhere and ever-present.  By now, it should be self-evident that alcohol and drugs can only have a negative impact on a person.  If they didn’t, why would organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous exist?  Despite the endless list of negative ways in which substances can impact us, we still buy these mind-altering mechanisms at staggering rates.  

4. How you decide to interact with your family

If you so decide, you can blame for family for just about anything.  You can blame them for not supporting you.  You can blame them for giving you bad genes.  You can even blame your family for trivial things.  It’s only when you start taking responsibility for your own life when you can realize that your full potential.  The way you interact with your family is directly proportional with individual happiness.  If you were blessed enough to be placed in a house where you receive love, support, and positive relationships, take advantage of it!  It will benefit you in your life.

5. Where you decide to live

Your geographic area definitely has an impact on your personal happiness, thus where you live is an important life decision.  Living in suburban Seattle and living in New York City will likely result in two entirely different lifestyles.  

6. Whether you get married

Getting married is a huge life decision.  Marriage isn’t for everyone, but it definitely changes nearly every aspect of your life.  When you state your wedding vows, you effectively choose to spend your life with another person for the remainder of your lives.  Not all marriages last, but that doesn’t undermine the meaning of marriage.  An ideal marriage is an everlasting bond that will forever change your life.  

7. How you live your life

This tip is an amalgamation of everything else.  Are you going to control your life or let your life control you?  Some of the most innovative, creative individuals have become famous because they decided to pursue their dreams.  Then, there are people who spend their whole lives at a job they hate only because it puts food on the table.  You have free will over how your life will ultimately play out.  Even if this axiom isn’t always evident, I believe it is definitely true.  If you didn’t have the choice of how you live, then you are simply a robot playing out the master plan in a deterministic universe.  The most important decision in your life is choosing how you live your life, a wide umbrella that encompasses family, religion, personal interest, education and more.       

In his book “The Four-Hour Workweek”, Tim Ferriss explains that there are 4 steps for major life decisions.  Here they are.

1. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?”
2. Ask yourself, “What’s the best that can happen?”
3. Ask yourself, “What’s most likely to happen?” (this is the risk factor)
4. If the risk factor from step 3 is acceptable to you, then ask yourself, “Am I willing to live with the worst case scenario for a shot at the best.”