In life, many people hope for good things to come their way. We wish for a good job, a happy relationship, or even a peaceful day. These are all desires that we want to happen in our lives. However, waiting and hoping alone will not always lead to these outcomes. As the saying goes, “If you want things to happen, they may happen.” This means that there is a possibility things can go your way. But to ensure that they do happen, you must actively decide and take action. In this article, we will explore the concepts of desire and decision-making, understand their differences, and learn how making decisions leads to real outcomes in life.

 Understanding the Power of Desire

Desire is a natural feeling that everyone experiences. It represents our goals and dreams. Let’s take a look at a few examples:

-Example 1: Job Aspirations

Imagine you want a job in a big company. You may wish for it every day and visualise yourself in that role. You might dream about what it would be like to have that job, but if you don’t take steps to apply for jobs or improve your skills, that desire may never turn into reality..





-Example 2: Fitness Goals*

Many people desire to be fit and healthy. They may want to lose weight or gain muscle, and they often wish for it. However, without making a decision to exercise regularly or eat healthily, those desires remain just that—wishes.

As you can see, desires can be powerful motivators, but they alone are not enough to create change. They serve as inspiration but do not guarantee that things will happen.

The Importance of Decision Making 

While desire is the first step towards achieving something, decision-making is the second, crucial step. When you decide to take action, you put yourself on a path towards achieving your goals. Let’s explore this concept further.

Decisions Lead to Actions

When you make a decision, you are committing to doing something. This commitment often leads to action. For instance:

Example 1: Choosing to Pursue a Career**

If you decide that you want a job in a specific field, you might take steps like researching the industry, enrolling in relevant courses, or networking with professionals. By making the decision, you create a roadmap to achieve your goal.

Example 2: Starting a Business**

Consider someone who always wanted to start their own business. If they simply wish to be an entrepreneur without making a decision to start, they may never get there. However, if they decide to create a business plan, gather resources, and take small steps towards launching their business, they will be actively working towards that goal.

Action Empowers You

Taking action based on your decisions not only helps you get closer to your goals, it also keeps you interested. It boosts your confidence when you see progress. It can create a creative feedback loop that motivates you to make decisions and take action toward your objectives .

For example, a person who starts exercising may see improvements in their health and fitness. This visible progress can motivate them to make more decisions such as eating healthier or trying new workout routines. 

The Difference Between ‘Wanting’ and ‘Deciding’

It’s essential to understand the key difference between wanting something and deciding to make it happen. Wanting is passive, while deciding is active.


Wanting is Passive

When you want something:

- You may daydream about it.

- You might browse social media and see others with what you desire.

- You could even complain about your situation without taking steps to change it.

Deciding is Active

On the other hand, when you decide:

- You take control of the situation.

- You outline steps that need to be taken.

- You hold yourself accountable and remain committed to your goal.

For instance, if a student desires to get good grades, they might complain about their lack of understanding or feel overwhelmed. But if they decide to create a study schedule, seek help from a teacher, or join a study group, they are now actively working towards changing their academic situation.

Why Decisions Are More Effective

1. Clarity of Intent**

When you decide something, you clarify your intent. You know exactly what you want and can focus your efforts accordingly. For instance, a person who decides to save money for a vacation will create a budget and cut unnecessary expenses to achieve that intent.

2. Creating a Plan

Deciding often involves creating a plan. With this plan, you can break down your larger goal into smaller, achievable steps. For example, if you want to learn a new language, deciding to take a class and committing to practise daily creates a structured approach to learning.

3. Building Resilience*

When challenges arise, having made a decision can give you the strength to push through. For example, if you’re training for a marathon, you might face injuries or bad weather. If you’ve decided to run that marathon, you’ll find ways to adapt and keep going despite the obstacles.

4. Ownership of Outcomes*

When you actively decide to pursue a goal, you take ownership of both the process and the outcome. This sense of ownership can be empowering. For instance, if someone decides to write a book, no matter how many rejections they face from publishers, they continue working on their craft because they own the journey.

How to Transition from Wanting to Deciding

1. Identify Your Desires

Start by writing down what you truly want in life. This could be anything from career aspirations to personal improvements. 

2. Prioritise Your Goals

Not all desires are equal. Understand which ones are most important to you. Focus on a few key goals rather than spreading yourself too thin.

3. Make a Firm Decision

Once you’ve prioritise your goals, make a firm decision. Write it down. Say it out loud. This commitment will act as a powerful motivator.

4. Create a Plan

Develop a step-by-step plan to reach your goals. Identify the actions you need to take and set deadlines.

5. Take Action

Begin taking small steps toward your plan. Celebrate small wins along the way, as this will encourage you to keep moving forward.

6. Review and Adjust

Regularly check in on your progress. If something isn’t working, don’t hesitate to adjust your plan. Decision-making is not static; it can evolve as you learn more about what works for you.


Conclusion

In summary, while wishing and wanting can feel good, they alone won’t bring the results you desire. To turn dreams into reality, you must embark on the journey of decision-making. By taking control and actively deciding what happens in your life, you increase your chances of success. Remember, things may happen if you want them to, but they will definitely happen if you decide to make it so. Take charge of your life today and commit to the decisions that will lead you to the future you envision!