We all make decisions every day—what to wear, what to eat, where to hang out, or how to manage our money. Sometimes these choices feel routine, but at other times they can be downright overwhelming. We might even wish that someone else could decide for us, sparing us the stress of choosing.
Many of us believe that a good decision is one made on a whim, trusting that we can always sort things out later. This mindset often pits immediate gratification against long-term benefits. Immediate satisfaction might give you a quick thrill, but it’s usually short-lived. In contrast, planning for the future—although it might not be as exciting at the moment—is like investing in yourself, providing benefits that pay off over time.
Take a couple of everyday examples. Imagine you receive 5000 naira unexpectedly. The excitement is high, and you decide to treat yourself at a fancy restaurant, splurging on delicious food and drinks. However, once the meal is over and the adrenaline fades, you’re hit with the harsh reality: you now have no money left for the essentials in the coming days. This is a classic case of letting emotion dictate your decision, with long-term consequences that suddenly become apparent.
Now consider another scenario where you have just 1,000 naira left. With several priorities in mind—transportation fare, a small treat, and most importantly, food—you decide to spend it on food because, quite simply, you need to eat to survive. In this case, your decision is driven by logical reasoning and an understanding of your essential needs, rather than the fleeting lure of immediate gratification.
Beyond just weighing our own needs, we often worry about how our choices affect others. We sometimes fear that putting ourselves first might come off as selfish, so we settle for what seems like the “good” decision without fully considering the consequences. Yet, making the best choice is rarely about following a gut reaction or a momentary impulse. It’s about finding a balance between what feels good in the moment and what makes sense in the long run.
At the end of the day, decision-making is a balancing act. It’s about knowing when to trust your emotions and when to lean on logic. While immediate rewards can be enticing, they often pale in comparison to the enduring benefits of well-thought-out choices. Learning to navigate this balance—recognizing when to prioritize your needs and when to consider the impact on others—is key to making decisions that not only serve you today but also build a better tomorrow.
Ps: All photos by me
