We live in a society where we are often advised to think twice before acting, but we are seldom encouraged to act wisely. The saying “think twice” emphasizes the importance of careful consideration in various life scenarios. We have all encountered situations where we must choose between different options, and it’s common for older generations to advise us to think twice, although they rarely make decisions on our behalf. Drawing from my life experiences, I believe there are instances where overthinking can lead to self-doubt. Instead, it may be more beneficial to adopt the mindset of “think wise” – making well-informed decisions based on wisdom and practicality. Allow me to provide examples of scenarios that, in my perspective, require wise consideration rather than simply thinking twice.

Important Financial Decisions: Whether it involves investing a substantial amount of money, making a significant purchase, or taking on a large loan, it is crucial to assess the potential risks and benefits. Gathering relevant information, evaluating available options, and making an informed financial commitment are essential. However, it’s important to note that thinking wisely involves considering calculated risks rather than avoiding them altogether. As an entrepreneur, higher risks often correspond to higher returns, so it’s important not to overthink risks but rather assess them carefully.

Career Changes: When contemplating a career change, it is essential to carefully consider the potential outcomes and carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages. Factors such as job stability, growth opportunities, personal fulfillment, work-life balance, and financial implications should be taken into account. Merely thinking twice might cause you to prioritize certain aspects while overlooking others, such as growth and job stability. Taking a thoughtful approach, examining the finer details, may be slower when considering a job offer, but it can lead to a deeper understanding beyond what is presented on paper. Often, we choose jobs solely based on salary or end up in unfulfilling careers due to poor work culture. Therefore, it is important to be wise in your career decisions.

Relationship Commitments: Before making a long-term commitment or entering into marriage, it is crucial to engage in a thorough evaluation of factors such as compatibility, shared values, future aspirations, and potential challenges. Investing time in open communication, seeking advice, and considering the long-term consequences can help prevent future regrets. Unfortunately, some individuals have entered abusive marriages due to solely focusing on looks and disregarding negative signs during courtship. From my perspective, evaluating a person’s character can be challenging, and it often requires experiencing different circumstances together, such as times of financial abundance and scarcity. These situations reveal true character traits for both men and women. It is unwise to base your commitment solely on financial status. Instead, commit where you have carefully assessed and confirmed it to be a harmonious environment. Take a wise approach by examining the untold stories before engaging in a long-term commitment.

It’s important to note that thinking twice does not indicate indecisiveness; rather, it signifies the willingness to invest time in gathering relevant information. On the other hand, thinking wisely requires a deeper level of discernment, relying on wisdom and thoughtful analysis to make informed and sound decisions. Personally, I aspire to cultivate wisdom in all aspects of life, which allows for critical reflection and the application of wisdom when reevaluating important decisions.

© JMS 2023