The Emotional Factor

In every decision we make, large or small, there is an emotional factor that can compel us to make a decision that does not lead to the desired outcome.  On the flip side, emotion can be the spark to move us into action on a decision that we have avoided for some time.

I enjoy the Star Trek franchise (I don't get crazy about it) and recently turned to my wife and asked "Is it strange that I relate more to the vulcans than the humans?"  To which her reply was "Yes."  Vulcans, for the uninitiated, are a species on the Star Trek series that have suppressed emotions and work solely with logic.    By contrast, the humans on Star Trek seem to be led by their heart almost to a fault, though it always works out by the end of the episode.

Though I may lean toward putting on some pointy ears and saying "live long and prosper", complete emotional suppression is not the key in decision making.  The key is to be aware of the emotional factor in a decision and weigh that into your decision making process.  I want to look at 3 examples of decisions we make and what role emotions tend to play in that decision.

1. Purchases - Emotions have a tendency to take the lead in this type of decision.  It can lead you to buy that candy bar because you are having a bad day or lead you to do whatever it takes to buy a house at the height of the housing bubble (I've done both).  Stop and ask yourself "What is my motivation?"  If you just want it, maybe you should stop and wait a few days.  Pray about it and seek council if it is a large purchase.  If you cannot tap into your inner vulcan and find logical reasons, then slow down.  Wait and see if you feel the same way a week from now.
2. Relational Decisions - We make all sorts of bad decisions when it comes to relationships if we are not aware of the emotional factor.  "Family first" is thrown out there and it's the total abandonment of logic that leads to hurting the very ones we think we're helping.  Parents often use this misguided approach with their teenagers instead of instilling strong values and helping them understand the consequences of their decisions.  They end up saying to their 16 year old "I know your going to drink, so I want you do it under my roof" or "I know you are going to have sex, so here are some condoms" instead of helping them understand the actual outcome of their decision to do so and inspiring them to be a responsible young adult.  If you don't think it's an epidemic, just look at how many adult children still live with their parents (BTW - that doesn't help them). I have so many examples of relational decisions go awry that I could devote many more blog posts to it alone.
3. Compassionate/Willpower Decisions - Emotions can spark you to action on something that you know you should do, but do not have the willpower to make it happen.  For instance, hearing a story about how someone trusted God with every part of their life may inspire you to finally take the faith requiring step to start tithing.  A movie about the slums of India may move you to support a child in that region.  Don't forget to use logic in these decisions as well because the emotional response is the spark, not the only factor.  Don't decide to quit your job and move to Africa until you have done what I suggested with your purchases.  Slow down, pray, and seek council.  Emotional responses have sparked many great decisions in my life and will in yours as well.

Those are just a few areas that need an honest assessment of your emotions and are a good place to start using your new found vulcan logic.  Try looking back at a few recent decisions and determine if you may have come to a different conclusion had you appropriately considered the emotional factor.  Then start using this awareness in your future decisions and I can almost guarantee that you will "live long and prosper".