1.4 Making Healthy Decisions

Notes

A good decision uses steps instead of acting on impulse.

• 1. State the situation clearly.
• 2. List the options you have.
• 3. Weigh the possible outcomes (pros and cons) for your health, safety and others.
• 4. Consider your values: what matters to you, such as honesty, family and safety.
• 5. Decide and act.
• 6. Evaluate the result and learn from it.
• Short-term and long-term consequences both matter.
• Example: Friends invite you out the night before a big test. Options are go for a short time, go and stay late, or stay home and rest. Going briefly and getting home to sleep balances social needs and your test.