You may not be aware of the fact that we make hundreds of decisions every day. Some decisions like what to eat for dinner and what to wear to a party are minor and usually do not have major implications for our lives. Other decisions such as where to attend college or what career to pursue greatly impact our lives.
Making smart decisions is an important skill. Smart decisions involve thinking about our current problem or issue and focusing on how we would like that situation to be. Smart decision-making involves brainstorming choices and options and picking the most sound choice that will lead us on the best path possible towards our goals and dreams.
Much like SMART goals, which will be described in the Goal-setting chapter of this text, SMART decision-making is a systematic process that will help you to think through each problem or issue that you have in order to make the best decision possible. SMART decisions help you to focus on improving your situation and finding solutions.
SMART Decision-making
Step 1:
S
tart. Start with the problem or issue you’re facing. What is your current situation, problem or issue? Clearly define what is going on. If you do not understand what is going on, fixing the problem will be difficult.
Step 2:
M
easures. What measures could you take to improve your situation? Brainstorm a list of possible measures that you could take. Think of as many options as you can. You are not selecting an option in this step but rather listing all your available options.
Step 3:
A
ssess. Assess the likely results of each measure from Step 2. Looking at your list of possible measures or actions you could take, what will likely happen with each?
Step 4:
R
eflect. Reflect and select which measure you will take after contemplating the likely results in Step 3.
Step 5:
T
ake Action & evaluate. Once you have reflected on which measure/action is best, and you have selected a measure to put into place, take action and implement your plan. After you have had ample time to institute your plan, evaluate if your desired outcomes/goals are being reached.
Example:
Marty received his first math test back for the semester and he received a D. He is very worried since he has always struggled in math.
Step 1 -
S
tart: Define the problem or issue: Marty received a D on his first math test of the semester.
Step 2 -
M
easures: What measures can be taken?
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Study more effectively for the next math exam.
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Ask the math instructor for help.
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Complain that the instructor is too hard.
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Form a study group in math class.
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Drop the course.
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Attend free math tutoring.
Step 3 -
A
ssess: Assess the likely results of each measure brainstormed in Step 2.
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If I study more effectively for my next math test, I will most likely be able to raise my grade.
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If I ask my math instructor for help, she probably will give me some good pointers. At the very least, she will know that I am taking her class seriously.
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If I complain that my math instructor is too hard, my classmates may sympathize and agree with me.
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If I form a study group in math, I may improve my math skills and also make new friends.
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If I drop the course, my workload will be lighter, but I may lose tuition money and not receive any credits for the course.
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If I attend free math tutoring, I will likely improve my math skills and my next test score.
Step 4 -
R
eflect: Looking at the likely results that you assessed in Step 3, which choice will lead you closer to your goals? This choice typically is the best one.
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I will ask my math instructor for help and attend free tutoring sessions.
Step 5 -
T
ake Action & evaluate: After reflecting in Step 4 and choosing the best choice to which to commit, now is the time to take action and implement your choice(s). After ample time has passed, evaluate if your plan is working.
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On Thursday, I will meet with my instructor during her office hours. I then will attend free tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays.