DECISION-MAKING

"WHEN YOU MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION, IT DOESN'T REALLY MATTER WHAT ANYONE ELSE THINKS."

-- Caroline Kennedy, diplomat and celebrity

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• Each day is full of decisions. Make your decisions work for you by considering a lot of facts, figures, risks and possible consequences. 

• You’re responsible for your basic decisions -- what you do and say.  That's true if you take a position that you believe to be right and refuse to go along with friends if you think they want to do something wrong.

• Making decisions might be easier if you can "rank" or "prioritize" major elements of your life such as school, chores, sports or other activities and time with friends or family. Which ones are most important to you?

• Develop some time management skills so that you are more efficient in schoolwork and outside activities. 

• Create a planning schedule -- including things to do for each day, week and month and keep it updated

• Set specific time aside for work every day, starting with the most important and a plan to do the rest. 

• Focus on one task at a time, with tight deadlines to complete the work

• Set realistic short-term and long-term goals.

• Use a timer to stay on track and avoid distractions such as electronic devices, food and music.

• You'll know you're making wise, responsible decisions if you spend the most time on your top priorities.