Decisiveness In School
vs. procrastination
Processing information and finalizing difficult decisions
To practice Decisiveness, I will: 
- consider multiple options
- not look back once I’ve decided
- follow through on decisions
- use principles as the basis for decisions
- make good decisions despite peer pressure
What ‘Could’ I Do?
Daniel Pink did a Pinkcast on changing one word when thinking about problem-solving. I think it applies to decisions in general. We often say to ourselves, “What ‘should’ I do? His suggestion is to change the word to ‘could’. He describes ‘should thinking’ as narrowing and ‘could thinking’ as widening. Saying to yourself, “What ‘could’ I do?” provides more possibilities to think about without trying to hit on the perfect answer in a single try. I ‘could’ ask my brother to help me with my homework. I ‘could’ reread the chapter. I ‘could’ try one more time. The benefit is that the more options you have to choose from, the more likely you are to hit on the best one or at least a good one.
I offer an additional option. Ask yourself, “What shouldn’t I do?” Sometimes, it is easier to identify and eliminate the bad or less desirable options first. No, I ‘shouldn’t’ just quit doing my homework. No, I ‘shouldn’t’ watch TV instead. Thinking of the easier options can provide a jumpstart into thinking about the options that are workable or have a chance at success. Recognizing bad options can give you a small confidence boost as well. If I can recognize a bad option, then I am capable of recognizing a good option, also.
This month, how will you frame your questions for being Decisive?
The Links below will take you to Resources you can use in the classroom or in homeschool
to teach the Character Quality of Decisiveness.
Curriculum Connections:
Social Studies >>
Decisiveness Reading List >>
Decisiveness Featured Book >>
Need to build community in your classroom? Try these team building activities!
Double Circle
Arrange the participants so that they are standing in two circles facing each other. If you have an odd number of participants, one will not have a partner in the opposite circle. This person gets to read the question for the round. When the circles move, that person...
Our other Pillars have resources that can be used in an educational setting or for education professionals.
Visit Decisiveness in Business>>
Teambuilding
Power Up with Character
Interview Questions
Adult Business Books
Visit Decisiveness in the Community>>
Quotes
Character All Month Calendar
Related Qualities
Character Holiday Activities
Family Activity (with a printable for sending home to parents)
Visit Decisiveness in Faith>>
Christian Family Activity
Bible Verses
Christian Poster
Prayer and Reflections
Archived Resources