Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1529095
2 • THE ARTISAN WINTER 2025 Although the above quote can seem illogical, it actually makes sense when taken in the correct context. This was a comment made by a friend who was driving and had the green light while pedestrians were crossing regardless even though their light was red. It made me think about how many times we do not pay attention and cross the street without thinking of consequences or even checking to see if it is proper to proceed. Decisions, that is what we face every day, all day and night again and again. What will I wear, what will I eat, what route to take to work, what color foundation do I use, what curling iron do I pick, etc. Sometimes we make even bigger decisions like accepting entrance to a school, marriage, or career change. When we make these decisions, the question can become do you just cross the street, or do you check first to see if you have the green light. Even if the answer is yes, have you looked both ways to make sure the coast is clear. In these uncertain times, some hard decisions need to be made in order to navigate careers, social and family life. It can be difficult to find the right balance but knowing you made the best decision possible can help take some of the stress out of making these difficult choices. There is a process that is labeled "A Decision Tree" which in layman's term is the decision-making process written out in visual form. The visual is written out to look like a tree, much like a family ancestral tree. The trunk lays out the decision(s), then lines are added (representing branches) which show the multiple paths you can take and where each one represents a different potential outcome. A. To start, you come up with the actual decision whether it is a problem or a choice. For example: Do I take the low-paying job or wait until next month when the other higher salary job is starting and keep my side work for now? This is the base or trunk of your "decision tree." B. Next, write down all your options. This can range from not doing anything to moving out of state to taking the position. No option is off the table. Each of these choices can be looked at like a branch and part of your tree. Be sure to write down each possible choice or pathway that is being considered. Do not be afraid to think outside the box or put down ideas or choices that are not so black-and-white. For example, looking at which job to choose maybe there are other possible options to consider such as moving out of state for a completely different job or changing what you are doing altogether by FROM THE PRESIDENT going back to school. It is good to stretch your imagination, and all possibilities should be considered as this is you mapping out your future. C. After you have documented the decision that needs attention and each option has been written down where you can see them, the next step is to figure out what the probable consequences or outcomes could be from each of these scenarios. Once again, allow yourself to branch off (no pun intended) and add all of these possible outcomes alongside the branches and label them as options on your tree. By putting any implications that may come from your personal decision, including consequences that are both positive and negative, it allows you to make less emotional and more rational decisions. D. It is important to critically view each choice you have written. Using this process to evaluate and break down all your options allows you to actually see the pros and cons and which path may be most beneficial. It is important to remember to add how the decisions may affect those closest to you. However, also be mindful to include how you may be affected if you don't allow yourself to choose what you think may be in your best interest. It is not about being self-serving but rather being open and honest with yourself during the decision-making process. E. When you have finished, look at your tree and each possible choice. Being able to visualize everything and see all the possibilities will help give you clarity and will assist you in making the right decision. Just as there are times when you should not be crossing on a green light, by looking in each direction, identifying where the red lights are and where the green ones that allow you safe crossing are, that can make any decision much easier. Having a system in place that aids your decision-making process can ultimately help you find the best path forward. Wishing you many green lights on your journey and in your future! Julie Socash | President " You should not be crossing the street on a green light."