Luckily, making responsible decisions isn’t as tough as it may seem. In fact, making GREAT decisions is as simple as following five easy steps. The GREAT decision-making model is made up of the following steps:

 

Give thought to the problem.

 

Review your choices.

 

Evaluate the consequences of each choice.

 

Assess and select the best choice.

 

Think it over afterward.

 

As you practice making GREAT decisions, the process will become second nature and you will know how to react to challenging situations that require you to make a choice. Let’s look at an example together. Imagine that your friend just told you that he is being abused. What GREAT decision can you make in this situation?

 

Give thought to the problem.

(An abusive relationship exists.)

 

Review your choices.

(You have three choices: 1. Seek help. 2. Wait. 3. Ignore it.)

 

Evaluate the consequences of each choice.

(Think about what will happen with each choice.)

 

Assess and select the best choice.

(The best choice would be to seek help.)

 

Think it over afterward.

(Ask yourself: Did my choice solve the problem? Was it a good choice? Should I change anything in my process?)

 

- State of South Carolina Department of Education Comprehensive Health Education Instructional Units and Resources for Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault Prevention Standards and Performance Indicators, p. 127

 

 

By thinking through your decision before making it, you are able to make a good decision and get your friend the help he needs.