The challenges and dynamics of making choices

During our day-to-day lives, many choices and decisions need making or are made from when we are out of bed to when sleep comes at night. On some nights, there may be little sleep with tossing and turning, with a momentary escape into anxiety dreams or nightmares; the disturbing racing thoughts in the brain are often about an undecided quandary between two choices or worrying about the outcome of a decision already made.  

Though we often seek to know the benefits or risks of any option, when crucial decisions or choices are required, it is impossible to know the best direction to take with certainty. Is it possible to have a system where a decision will always be right? Would a balance sheet show a preponderance of wise choices and helpful decisions if we use the best tools?

Reflecting on my own life experience, I realize that by nature, the culture I grew up in, my genetics, and my ways of processing information are perhaps more analytical, intellectual, and perfectionistic. There is always the possibility of gaining flexibility, at least I hope, to learn new ways and skills, especially for better decision-making. Of course, I'd like to believe that my natural propensities and decision-making skills have served me well in my professional work and in assisting others. Ultimately, there will never be an absolute judge of decisions other than what comes from one's own experience, reflections, or response from others. But hopefully, whatever the outcome, one will move on with acceptance and grace. A choice brings a sense of success or accomplishment, with a boost in self-esteem.

There is always a strong need for certainty and the truth in matters of choice. The need to not err is more potent for some than others. The requirement may be more significant in those with more fear of the unknown, fear of harm, or ending up in a worse situation. These fears may be more substantial if related to past trauma and losses. When the need or search for the correct understanding or choice is more significant, so is the pitfall more precarious for grabbing on to something that is misinformation, propaganda, or deceptive communications,

Perhaps the worse fate is getting caught in the "double-blind" or "paralysis by analysis" or stuck in indecisiveness that occurs with overdoing research or listening to too many people. A person in an abusive relationship can be frozen in the ambivalence of whether to stay or leave, even if life itself is at risk. As there are always consequences in any action, careful deliberation is necessary with oneself, significant others, and outside help when possible. Read the complete article with eight wise tips for making better decisions - click below.

Mind Wise by Ron Parks, MD

The Art of Decision Making

Choosing the best options Though we often seek to know better the benefits or risks of any given option, when crucial decisions or choices are required, it is impossible to know the best direction to take with certainty. Is it possible to have a system where a decision will always…

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8 months ago · Ron Parks, MD

A contributed guest writer article, Self-Care for Introverts, discusses the challenges of being introverted.

Dr. Parks enlarges the topic from a holistic mental health perspective, as labeling may only reflect surface characteristics. Identifying a self-descriptor as an introvert is a potential opening for deeper exploration and discovery. One that adopts their major defining characteristic as being an introvert might risk or limit their potential to excel as a creator, artist, or specialist in their area of talent. The limitations on a person's aspiration may be from the greater need to fit in with their more typical peers, not wanting to stand out as being different or unique. There may be a need to avoid the ridicule or attack from others, someway threatened by another's talents and abilities. If a person is happily adjusted and functioning to their most total capacity, then all is fine, and no need for further examination or concern.

If difficulties exist, such as lack of energy, anxiety, sleep difficulties, irritability, mood irregularities, depression, or feeling hopeless and suicidal, it may be the time to delve deeper. Beyond labels, there may be more significant underlying issues that would benefit from the discovery process or utilization of mental health resources for care and treatment. Reach out for help when needed. Read the complete article and Dr. Parks' comments at: https://parksmd.com/resources-articles-by-guest-writers/self-care-for-introverts/ or click the below button.

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Appreciate your interest. Please share and send your comments or questions. Thanks, Ron Parks, MD