There are lots of life skills that can enrich our lives: communication, creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, leadership, adaptability, and the list goes on and on. But there is one life skill that is more important than all the rest: decision-making. 

You might get the impression that the disciples were poor decision makers if you just read this verse on how they chose a replacement for Judas: “Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:26) However, that leaves out a lot of context. Here are the disciples discussing their decision-making process:

“Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs. (Acts 1:21-25)

The disciples took their time to find someone who had been a witness to Jesus' ministry. They looked at other options, like Barsabbas, who made it to the final cut. Then they prayed and asked for guidance from God, the ultimate Decision Maker. 

The result of their careful decision? Matthias became an apostle, preached the Gospel across Turkey, and is now revered as a saint.

Improve your decision-making skills and you will improve your life, relationships, health, personal finances, career, and every other area of your life. How do you start? Here are five ways to become a better decision maker:

1. Take your time. Don’t rush a decision, especially if it is a big one.

2. Be honest with yourself. Try to look objectively at the pros and cons. We are experts at deceiving ourselves, especially when we really want something. But desire creates blind spots. 

3. Consider your options through the lens of your values and priorities. Will you be turning your back on the-best-version-of-yourself? 

4. What are you missing? In most situations, we don’t see most of our options.

5. Study decision making. Read books about it, ask people how they make decisions, and observe your own process.

Invest in yourself by improving your decision-making skills. Becoming a phenomenal decision maker is the ultimate life-skill.

Patron Saint of: Alcoholics, Carpenters, Tailors, Smallpox, Hope, Perseverance

Symbols: An Axe

Feast Day: May 14

Feast Day Shared By: Saint Michael Garicoïts