When you get information through sound, sight, smell, taste and touch, your brain helps you make decisions about what to do with that information.  There are 4 steps that you go through when making a decision.  

1.  Perception

• Getting the information
• See there is a problem – Define it.

2.   Association – Have I ever seen anything like this before

3.   Evaluation –

• What is this probably leading me to?
• Consequences, am I being pressured?

4.   Decision – I will move toward or away from this opportunity.

  This process can stop you from trying new classes, getting a job, trying a new sport if the answers to the questions in Steps 2 and 3 are negative.  One way to make decisions that help you grow, learn and change is to ask more questions in Step 3.

Some examples of other questions are:  What else is possible?  Will it harm me or others?  Is it going to help me?  Can I learn to do it?  Might I like it if I could do it?  Am I ready to accept the probable consequences?  Is it a healthy choice?