ROI of Decisions

Should I? Shouldn’t I? Well, maybe… Every day we have decisions to make regarding a variety of topics: food, clothes, activities, relationships, directions, etc. When we make these decisions, we need to keep in mind what the Return on Investment (ROI) is of the choice we have made. I know, you have been told to just do things because it is the right thing to do and don’t do it with the purpose of getting something in return. Not many people are that altruistic. And, even those that are, probably find that they do get a lot in return for their good deeds.

In business we are taught to constantly keep our eye on the ROI. Don’t invest in the project, the stock, the employee if you aren’t going to get more in return. However, how do we do that? Sometimes we look at things at face value and the cost appears too high. We have to think in longer terms than this moment in time. The cash or time outlay right now should return more cash, time savings, or opportunities in the future. If you determine it is the right time to expand your business, hire that first employee, or start that project – make a plan. Know where you are now and where you want to get to. If you are hiring an employee so you can spend more time doing the things that bring in more funds to your organization, then trust that employee to do their job and make sure you are doing the tasks you envisioned yourself doing. With a plan in place, it is easier to see how we are going to reach that beneficial goal and attain it.

For our personal lives we have many decisions to make that will also bring returns – good or bad. Take food for an example. When we are stressed or in a hurry, we don’t tend to make the best decisions of what to eat to fuel our bodies with good energy and nutrition. When we plan, we have the baggies of cut up fruit in the fridge for a quick snack and delicious, nutritious meals prepared. When hitting the road, grab a small cooler and pack it with good stuff instead of needing to stop at fast food places or gas stations and making a junk food decision. We know what to do and will make the best decisions if we put ourselves in the best decision-making situations. Prepare.

Another life situation that has been proven time and time again to be of positive benefit is to do things for others. You generally not only feel good about yourself, but others also benefit from your participation. The deciding line here is do you have time, can you make time, is now the right time? If you can replace sitting in front of the television time with helping a student learn to read, or lounging around on a lazy Sunday with playing cards with the elderly or even your own family or friends; you will get returns. You need to make sure you have the time or can make the time without adding stress to your life. The inherent benefits that come from doing for others may be from a feeling or even a health-improvement situation. It may have nothing to do with monetary gain, just psychological enhancement.

Making decisions has consequences. Evaluate what those are to make the best decisions possible. Put yourself in the best decision-making situation that you can. The less stress you are under while making those decisions, the more you are capable of choosing what will be of the greatest benefit to you and those around you. What’s your ROI?