Informed decisions  

We make decisions on a regular basis. The majority of them are little. Some, on the other hand, are extremely significant, with repercussions that span years or even decades. In our final moments, we may reflect on these choices, some of which we may regret.

The rarity of major decisions contributes to their importance. We don't get a chance to learn from our errors. It's critical to learn from individuals who have gone before us if we want to make huge decisions we won't regret. We have made many decisions in our lives. These decisions may be big or small and they also impact on us and others in small and big ways. There are also decisions that we are happy about or perhaps regret. But whether good or bad there are also consequences that we have to bear.

Decisions are difficult not just because there are two possibilities to choose from, but also, and more crucially, because humans are complex. We make decisions based on our individual experiences and how we see things.

When presented with a difficult decision, it can be tempting to take the easy way out and put off making the decision. This attitude exemplifies what may be the most common misconception regarding decision-making: that when faced with two options, we still have the option of doing nothing. In actuality, procrastination is the active decision to stay uncertain, not the refusal to decide or the 'freezing' of a decision in time. Only when we know that procrastination is a choice will we begin to see it as a less-appealing option. Furthermore, hesitation and procrastination do not postpone the sufferings of making a decision at a later date; rather, they amplify the anguish by extending it out across every minute of every day until we ultimately make a decision.

Filipinos are currently faced with a major decision that will determine the type of future we will have in the next six years, as we will have a new set of leaders that will either make or break us as a nation. Our hopes are placed in them because they hold our hopes and expectations, as well as promises for a better country.

We may be frustrated when we hear the same rehashed promises election after election, but we don't have a choice but to hold on to what little hope we have left. We must remain hopeful, if not for our generation, then for the next. Our children's and grandchildren's hopes for a better future are dependent on the decisions we make now.

Voters have already picked their leaders at this point. However, it's possible that a few of us are still waiting for the final moments to unfold. And this would include big swings in our candidates' positions, as whatever decision they make in the next weeks will have an impact on those who are still uncertain. However, any breach or transgression that a candidate may make will be viewed as major by those in charge, who will only offer limited justifications for such restrictions.

One prevalent observation after the last two huge rallies in Cebu, for example, is the rubbish left behind. However, each side has a ready reason, so it is not a huge worry.

We hope that once we commit to a major decision, no amount of justifications will be enough. Finally, we must make an informed decision if we are to avoid future negative repercussions.