Do you let people influence your decisions...?

Question

or do you decide with your own heart and mind?

Answer 1

Yes at times. I get talked into doing wild things......Less in real life,but internet related...not good

Answer 2

It all depends. This is a multi-faceted question even in its seemnig simplicity.

If those people have a direct connection with my heart and/or mind, then I suppose there is not really much of a difference in how I go about choosing an outcome or path to follow. If we are talking something where emotions shouldn't come into play, admittedly sometimes they do anyway.

I'd like to think, for the most part though, when a decision will be best made with no outside influence from other people, that I am able to make that decision accordingly. Good examples of a decision of this type are financial decision, such as co-signing for a loan or whom to buy a piece of property with.

A good example of one where people entirely influence the outcome would be a scenario related to a decision where you needed to hear others who are more knowledgeable debate the topic; One where you don't know how to feel and need to hear from other people to make that decision, such as voting. A much more simplistic decision based on others' influence would be whether or not to buy someone a Christmas present if you heard they were spreading rumours behind your back, but they don't know you know about it.

To pretend that we don't let other people influence our decision making process at all would be utterly ludicrous, and I think, dishonest with ourselves. Often our hearts and minds change because of other people in the first place. The two are far too intertwined to simply have a blanket answer for the question,.

On a side note, however; Its an excellent question to think about, if you can actually remember to take into consideration why you are making a decision the way you are each time a tough choice comes your way. The ad-hoc self assessment may help you prevent a potential problem before it starts.

Answer 3

Everyone is influenced by society to some degree. public education is a form of external influence; what clothes you wear, the morals instilled by your family etc.

Your "own heart and mind" is not independent of these factors and your decisions are based on past judgement and experience of other situations.

An example of a person that truly follows their 'own heart and mind' is a baby because they have not had any experience, only their natural, biological desires.

I am not saying human beings are just robots that recieve, translate and retransmit signals from society but to a degree, that is true.

So YES, people have a major influence on my decisions.

Answer 4

My own heart and mind. I will take peoples opinions and advice, but ultimately I will make my own mind up. Never let anyone influence you.

Answer 5

I can always trust my good friends and parents for advice on what I should do. But I would never go with an important decision that some stranger told me to do. And about 85% of the decision is always up to me, not anyone else.

Answer 6

I will Listen to what people say but I make my own decision but if someone says something that makes sense then I will take there advise and see if it helps me make a decision

Answer 7

Sometimes people succeed in influencing my decisions, especially my husband and my sister, but most of the time I listen to them because I do trust their opinion, and they are mostly right.

Answer 8

God influences my decisions..and i usually do a nice job of messing things up w/my own input!

Answer 9

sometimes I find it hard to make decisions so I like to hear from the people who know me best. it can be easier to work something out if you're not under pressure so I talk to other people and get their opinion. ultimately I decide whats best :D

Answer 10

Decide with my heart and mind.

Answer 11

I weigh all advice, and go with my heart's decision. I also pray, which eliminates a lot of the stress.