During this required time at home we have the opportunity to reflect on things that are usually not part of our conscious thinking. Have you ever thought about how you make decisions? How many times do you say, “I did that because it felt right.” There are many factors that impact our decisions. One of the central issues involved in decision making is ethics, “Why do I do what I do?”
Two factors guide our ethical decision-making and these are not necessarily in our realm of consciousness. One involves our core personal value and the other involves our core interpersonal value.
Take a piece of paper and write down the 10 things that get you up in the morning or what give you meaning and purpose in life. Try not to think about this, do this by free association so that you get the most honest answers. Now read through the list reflecting on each item. Next cross through 5 things that are expendable. Look at the remaining 5 and cross off 3 that you could live without. You are left with 2. This should be a difficult choice between 2 important things that give you meaning and purpose in life. These things are what excite us as we start each day. Now choose just one of the remaining statements. This one is your core personal value.
The other part of ethical decision-making is your core interpersonal value. This is what you value as the most important ingredient in your relationships. For example, you may choose “trust” or “kindness to others” as your most important interpersonal core value. During this time of being at home reflect on how these two values shape your decisions.
The next post will include what premier athletes know about solid decision-making and what we can learn from Isaac Newton when he was quarantined during the bubonic plague in 1665.
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