Jeri had had one of those days. She woke with a sinus
headache, the dog threw up as she was leaving for work, one child forgot her homework, and the “check tire” light came on in her car.
By 4:00 p.m., Jeri wished she could turn her back on
everything, take two aspirin, and go to bed.
Then her phone rang, with someone from the church board asking her if she could take over the church newsletter because the current editor was
moving. Too tired to think, Jeri said no.
Maryann had had a great day. A real estate broker, she had sold two large homes and had another sale on the horizon. She was feeling good.
When asked if she would be in charge of her daughter’s school play, she said sure, no problem.
Two
days later, both women asked themselves, “What was I thinking?”
There are certain times to avoid making decisions if possible. Obviously, when you are ill, exhausted, or stressed. Or after a loss, when you are grieving. Or when dealing with a significant lifestyle change like an empty nest or a
parent moving in.
But also, at the other end of the spectrum, it may be better not to make a decision when you feel exuberant from a perfect day.
Of course, sometimes you know the answer to a request right on the spot. Personally, I will never take on leading a church garage sale-style fundraiser again, ever. And I would never string someone along giving them the idea that I was even considering that possibility. I would just say, "thanks for thinking of me, but no
thanks" right there and then.
But sometimes, you're not quite sure depending on what is being asked of you. Perhaps a family member is asking if you'd like to host Thanksgiving dinner. If
you're not sure, don't respond immediately.
Ask for a few days to think it over or to talk to your partner about it. Or say you may be interested, but need to check your commitments to be sure you can give it your all.
Mull it over a few days before you have to give your decision.
Then find a quiet time to weigh all the pros and cons, decide, and get back to the person who asked with a yes or no answer.
You may choose to commit or not, but you will feel better about the decision.
