Theory
Choices and decisions, are they the same? Or is there is a thin layer of separation
between the meanings we attach to these words when it to comes to the
perspective of application of these two words? Well, let us see the meanings of
these words in this way, so that it applies sense to our discussion.
Choice -The option of selecting from the alternatives.
Decision –Making up one’s mind to act on any choice, need or problem.
The choices we make and the decisions we take gets us the results
(consequences). The consequences we derive may be the ones we desire or not
desire. In order to obtain a desirable consequence or a likeable result, we
definitely have to make the right choice and correct decisions.
Right choices + Correct decisions = Successful life.
People make use of different combinations of choices and decisions to script a life
forward.
Smart choices + quick decisions
Tough choices + hard decisions
Narrow choices + Critical decisions
And so on
However, if we learn to choose and take a committed decision our life changes.
Story
Long ago, in a peaceful village surrounded by forests and fields, there lived a
young man named Aarav. He was known for his kindness, but also for his
confusion. He wanted to make the right choices in life — the ones that would
make him happy, successful, and respected.
But every time he had to choose — whether it was about his studies, his work, or
even his relationships — he would freeze. He feared taking the wrong step more
than not moving at all.
One evening, weary from indecision, Aarav went to visit the village sage, Old Ravi,
who was sitting by the riverside lighting a small lantern.
“Master,” Aarav sighed, “how do I know which choice is right? I feel lost at every
crossroad.”
Ravi smiled gently, handing him the lantern. “Then take this and meet me at dawn
on the hill beyond the forest.”
Aarav frowned. “But it’s dark… and the path divides midway.”
Ravi said softly, “That’s why I’ve given you light.”
So, with hesitant steps, Aarav began his journey through the night forest.
The path soon split into two — one smooth and clear, the other rocky and
shadowed. He paused, trembling. The fear of choosing wrong gripped his heart.
He looked at the lantern. It only lit a few feet ahead — not the entire path.
Taking a deep breath, he whispered, “Perhaps light is only meant for the next
step, not the whole road.”
He chose the rougher trail and walked on. At times, the wind flickered the
lantern’s flame, and he stumbled. But gradually, his eyes adjusted to the
darkness. He began to hear the music of crickets, smell the wild jasmine, and even
feel the rhythm of his own heartbeat.
By dawn, he reached the hilltop — weary but peaceful. Ravi was waiting for him,
smiling as the sun rose over the valley.
“Did you find your answer?” the sage asked.
Aarav nodded slowly. “Yes. I learned that the choice we wake may not show the
whole or entire journey, we need to take. The light we carry only shows the next
step — but that is enough.”
Ravi placed a hand on his shoulder. “Every decision teaches us. Some give joy,
others give wisdom. In the end, both are blessings.”
As they watched the first rays of sunlight spill across the fields, Aarav realized that
the real fear was not of choosing wrong — it was of never choosing. Our lives are
shaped not by the roads we take, but by the courage with which we walk
them.Every decision opens one door and closes another —but only the brave
move forward to discover what lies beyond.
Waiting for the perfect choice often means watching life pass by.
Sometimes, the path unfolds only after we take the first step. The light of clarity
doesn’t come before the journey — it comes because of it.
Activity
Write down few decisions you have made which has been game changers in your
life.
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Quote
“Choices are the hinges of destiny.” —Edwin Markham
Takeaways
1. Right choices + Correct decisions = Successful life.
2. If we learn to choose and take a committed decision our life changes.