The 7-Day, 7-Reasons Strategy for Thoughtful Decisions

Can I go with _____ on spring break to _____?

Can I borrow the car next weekend?

When can I get a raise?

I want to go overseas to study…

After I graduate, I want to…

I need money for…

The Universal Challenge for Leaders

Managers, parents, and all of you who are responsible for others navigating adult decisions: You’ve encountered some of these questions or asked them yourself.

People, especially young ones, have abundant proposals and brainstorms. Thank God for creativity. I applaud our courage to trust each other with some far-fetched requests.

Children, of all ages, sometimes label our responses as old-fashioned, controlling, dream squashing, unfair, or believe we don’t understand.

A Retired Principal’s Wisdom

A retired school principal, who is a parent and grandparent, shared his strategy to buy some time when he needs to assess a request.

He asks the person to write seven reasons why he should consider their proposal. They agree to revisit the proposal one week later and he can then make the decision to approve or modify the request.

The Grace Period Effect

This principal said, “That seven-day grace period provides an opportunity to allow life’s processes to align, shift and offer fresh insight.” He’s noticed that at least 75% of the time, the original request loses its sense of urgency or appeal.

Sometimes, during that week, the person’s priorities shift. Sometimes circumstances change and the request becomes a moot point. Either way, those seven days and seven reasons provide a buffer for all parties to make the best decision for the time.

Jesus, thank you for grace periods and breathing room. Help me appreciate your answers, even when I have to wait longer than I want. Remind me to respect your timing and move my heart so I can adapt to your perfect plan.

Reader! Your turn!

What is the best decision you’ve made because of a delay?

How did a period of waiting change and/or improve the outcome?

Kindly, leave your input so we can learn from each other.

Trusting the most graceful outcome for all,

Christina

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another, not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:10-11).