–

Making a decision can be challenging. We often have so many options, and it’s hard to pick one. There is this feeling that we will lose something when we pick another option. That’s true.  Making choices involves renouncing other things.

Given the daily unfolding events related to Covid-19, a couple weeks ago we were supporting our students to decide whether they would like to stay in Brazil or return to their home country.

We only work with 18+ students and although we can provide them guidance and share information, it’s up to them to make a decision, unless a program is cancelled or they are dismissed for some reason.

Deciding a destination or program to study abroad can also be challenging. There are so many options worldwide and inside your own country! 

Today I want to talk about three types of decisions:

• Rational decisions: there are choices which involve perceptions, concepts, arguments and ideas. It’s based on the content itself. For example, choosing to buy a flight ticket based on its cost.
• Heart decisions: there are alternatives which we analyze from the heart. It has to do with our emotions, experiences, humor, mood and values. These are influenced by interactions. For instance, we might choose a destination because we would love to be there, for the impression we have about the people, or maybe because of those we want to meet.
• Action-based decisions: these are the possibilities we evaluate based on our will, our intentions, motivations, energy and actions. We should consider formats and procedures. For example, based on the experiences we want to have, like opting to do an internship abroad because you want to learn more about a topic.

Years ago I learned a strategy. It’s easier to make decisions when we take time to reflect and consider these three dimensions, connecting our mind, our heart and our will.

Listing the pros and cons is a common tool, but here is my suggestion: the next time you need to make a decision, split it in three levels. This reflection will help you learn more about yourself, your thoughts, feelings and motivations. By stepping back and taking time to reflect, you will be able to make a decision with more autonomy.