3 Important Questions To Ask When Making a Big Decision

When you're facing a big decision, do you have a process for how to think through it? Whether it is taking a certain job, moving, pursuing a relationship, starting a new project, or anything that is a big deal to you, how do you decide whether or not you should do it?

In this post, I share three considerations I have found helpful whenever I face an important decision.

1. What would happen if it works?

One of the biggest reasons we refrain from making decisions is out of fear. One of the first things that come to mind with any major decision is what will happen if this doesn't work?

How will this hurt the budget? Who will be upset? What if it fails and ruins what we have been working for? What if [any number of bad things that could happen]?

And while we certainly should consider potential negative outcomes, dwelling on them leads to paralyzation. After all, no one wants to get it wrong. And so the easy thing to do is not to try or pursue whatever that thing might be.

But what if that is the wrong question? What if instead, we asked what would happen if this works?

What is all the good that could come of it? What would happen if you did get that job, started that project, planted that church, asked her out, and it worked?

What would be missed out on if it does work and yet you didn't pursue it? Sure, there is no risk of failure if you do nothing, but isn't it still a failure if what could be is never realized?

2. Am I afraid of failing because of the possible repercussions or because of my pride?

If I am honest, there are many times I have refrained from making or have been overly worried about a decision, not because of how it could go wrong, but because of how I might look if it doesn't work.

In other words, it's not the failure of it not working that worries me as much as my pride. It's easy to justify my fear over a decision because I don't want it to be a bad one when really I'm more concerned about how I will look if it doesn't go well.

We need to truly evaluate what it is we are most afraid of, and if it is our pride, that is never a good place to lead or decide things from.

3. What do other people think?

One of the biggest and most erroneous beliefs in our culture today is that we shouldn't care what other people think. And so we use this belief to justify doing whatever we want to do, no matter how selfish or potentially hurtful to others it could be.

While it is true that our aim should not be to live for everyone else's approval nor do things just to impress others, we also should consider others and let trusted friends and mentors speak into our lives.

In my experience, when I am apprehensive of getting feedback about a decision or something I want to do from others, it's usually because I know no one will think it's a wise decision and I want to do it anyway.

On the flip side, there may be something you are considering but assume you shouldn't do, and when you share it with others you're surprised at the encouragement you receive to go for it.

Seek the counsel of those you know and trust. Be willing to take their feedback. A lot of poor decisions are easily avoidable if we would just ask what others think.

New City's Big Decision: Thursday Services

Speaking of big decisions, we recently made one at New City Church that I'm quite nervous about if I am being honest. That said, these three questions were crucial in what we decided.

Starting on Thursday, September 2nd, New City is adding a Thursday night service at 7 PM.

In order to make room for our growth, New City has to add a third service. Of the possible options for three services to happen, we've decided to take a risk for the sake of what could happen if it works.

Because our current facility is rather small, we are moving to three services at a much smaller size than most churches would, and so we have to get creative in who we can pull it off.

That being said, we are excited to give this a shot. Our Thursday night service will be identical to our Sunday services with two tweaks; we won't have any kids ministry, and the band will be stripped down.

To be honest, I am nervous about it. But we need more room, and what if it works?