Slow Down and Think

Before you act, slow down and think.
Take the time to really make the best decision.
If you act out when you’re mad or upset your decisions won’t be well thought out and might get you in trouble or hurt someone.

What can you do to make the right choice?

1. Say or write down the problem. It’s easier to solve a problem if you can see it thoughtfully written out. What is the REAL problem?
2. Write down solutions. Write down as many possible solutions that you can think of. Think hard about different alternatives.
3. Write the positives. For each solution that you came up with, write down all of the good things that can come out of it.
4. List the negatives. This time, write down all the possible bad things that might come from each solution.
5. Make a choice. Think about the good and the bad consequences. Think through what would be your best solution to your problem. How will your choice affect the things you want to do, like sports, getting good grades, having privileges at home? It best choice might stand out right away. Other problems might be tougher and take some time to solve. If you feel comfortable, talk with your parents, counselor, teacher or an adult that you trust. They might have some advice.
6. Make a plan. What’s needed to solve your problem? Get help if you need to.
7. How’d it go? After you’ve solved your problem, look back and see how it all went.
   Would you change things next time?
   What went well, what was messed up?
   Remember for next time.

Making good decisions takes practice. If you use this thinking process in small decisions, you’ll make a better choice each time and be ready when you need to decide on something really important.