Surprise! This isn’t a marketing strategy.

Depending on the seriousness of a decision, we may go through a rapid or slow process to make a determination. Of course, there are those who use either a rapid or slow process for every decision. Let’s call these processes impulsive or purposeful.

No matter the type of process, there are a couple of factors involved. First is having a want or need or satisfying someone else’s, then how it is to be satisfied, and lastly, a reason to say yea or nay to the final decision. Using the puppy purchase as an analogy, let’s discuss them.

You pass a pet store and see the most adorable puppy in the window. You think:

• I’ve always wanted a dog like that, or
• My partner has always wanted a dog like that, or
• My kids have been bugging me for a dog.

IMPULSIVE PROCESS: Of course you go in and buy the puppy.

PURPOSEFUL PROCESS: You ponder the “future with puppy” days before deciding whether to buy.

The only considerations that may be made by the one practicing the impulsive process are (1) Will I be happy with this purchase (or my partner or kids), and (2) Do I have enough to buy it?

The person with the purposeful process weighs those questions and a few more, and may not go through with the purchase:

1. What is the price of the puppy and can I afford it?
2. What about the puppy’s upkeep (shots, vet bills, food)?
3. Who is going to train the puppy and will it cost?
4. Who is going to walk the puppy, feed the puppy, keep the puppy clean?

There may be a few more questions to consider, but there are two additional points to consider especially when making life-altering decisions that may be overlooked and make the decision a bad choice. This is what I call a cost assessment (combining cost benefit analysis and risk assessment):

• Is this going to be realistic and practical for all involved? The puppy may grow too large to be comfortable in an apartment, for example, or someone may be allergic to or afraid of dogs; and
• Am I willing to accept the commitment of my decision?

What I mean by the second point is whether you are going to accept the responsibilities, repercussions, or other outcomes that may arise; if they outweigh the benefits that you envision; and if you can avoid placing the blame elsewhere. Remember that the cost is not always financial.

So, are you impulsive or purposeful? Apply this to your decision to relocate, accept a job as a career, make a large purchase, have a relationship, become a parent or pet owner, etc.