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10 Things To Ask Yourself When Faced With A Difficult Decision

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost

Alyssa Bretan

Feb 06, 2017

Shelton, Connecticut

10 Things To Ask Yourself When Faced With A Difficult Decision

David Piet

The poem, "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost has had a huge impact on my life. It has been a favorite of mine since the first time I remember reading it. It is quite popular and is well-known in American poetry, but its prominence does not take away from the powerful message it conveys. The poem has a different meaning to each interpreter, which makes it such a timeless piece of writing. It is inspiring and helps guide me when I am lost or contemplating a choice I've made. Recently, I feel as though many important decisions are approaching. Course selection for junior year and the brink of college research/touring are dawning upon me as well as new ambitions and commitments. I, again, reflect on the wisdom Robert Frost delivered in this poem and ask these questions:

1. Am I doing this for me?

2. Will I be happy with this decision in 10+ years?

3. Does this conflict with the personal image/brand I want to create for myself?

4. Will this make a difference?

5. Who am I really doing this for?

6. Can I handle the repercussions or resulting events?

7. How committed am I?

8. How long have I been thinking about this?

9. If not now, then when?

10. What are my options?

These questions are essential to any decision-making process. I feel as though they are universal and hopefully can help guide you the way "The Road Not Taken" has guided me.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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10 Things To Ask Yourself When Faced With A Difficult Decision

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost

1. Am I doing this for me?

2. Will I be happy with this decision in 10+ years?

3. Does this conflict with the personal image/brand I want to create for myself?

4. Will this make a difference?

5. Who am I really doing this for?

6. Can I handle the repercussions or resulting events?

7. How committed am I?

8. How long have I been thinking about this?

9. If not now, then when?

10. What are my options?

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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