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THIS WEEK'S TOPIC:
Are you making wise decisions?

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IN THE NEWS:

* BUFFALO, NY on September 30th - I'll be speaking about "What's Really Holding You Back?" for the Minority Bar Association of Western New York on Friday, September 30th. Visit http://www.valorieburton.com/vevents.html for details.

* New coaching groups forming this fall! I will be hosting intensive, three-month coaching groups for solo entrepreneurs, professional women who want more balance, writers who want to get published and those of you ready to make the transition from corporate job to successful business owner. Stay tuned for more information. If you'd like to be among the first to receive enrollment information, reply to this email with the subject line "Group Coaching."

* LISTEN TO YOUR LIFE DVD NOW AVAILABLE in the online store!
My new 8-session television seminar based on my books Listen to Your Life and What's Really Holding You Back? is now available on DVD for just $29. It includes a downloadable study guide and a 20-minute Bible-based bonus teaching about how to overcome self-doubt and fear. Go to http://www.valorieburton.com/dvd.html

* NOW SCHEDULING 2006 SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS!
If you want to schedule a seminar or keynote, fill out your request at http://www.valorieburton.com/request.html or contact Angie Steele at angie@valorieburton.com .

* Read and post your messages, questions and prayers in the ValorieBurton.com COMMUNITY MESSAGE FORUM at http://pub23.bravenet.com/forum/1950087918 .

For more schedule information, visit http://www.valorieburton.com/vevents.html .
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THIS WEEK'S TOPIC:
Are you making wise decisions?

"Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity ... " -- Ephesians 5:15

Dear Friend,

In the summer of 1993, just as I was about to graduate from Florida State University, I made a decision that turned out to a very wise one. Until about a year before I finished college, I was sure I wanted to be an international corporate attorney. I made that decision in the 10th grade based on fairly limited information. My major was International Affairs, I grew up learning to speak German and Spanish, and law seemed a logical choice. But as I began to learn more about my planned career path, it just didn't appeal to me as the best fit for my interests. So I decided to apply to a new graduate program in journalism at Florida A & M University, just a mile away from FSU. I was unsure of exactly what I wanted to do with a master's degree in journalism, but I was excited by the possibilities. The month before I was to begin the program, I began to waver. "Maybe an MBA would be better," I thought. "I'll move back home to Denver and pursue that." I was 20 years old. It was a major life decision and I was unsure of how to make it. I was packed and preparing to move when a letter arrived from Florida A & M University's journalism school. They offered a full tuition scholarship and a graduate assistantship. I stood in the living room of my one-bedroom apartment filled with boxes packed and ready to ship to Colorado. "What should I do?" I wondered. Something in my spirit said, "Unpack and stay. It's not time to leave Tallahassee yet." I listened. It was a great decision.

I believe it was divine intervention steering me onto my unique path. And as I look back on my decision, I realize that I had no idea just how that particular course of study would impact my career. From my work as a marketing director to running my own public relations firm, to writing books and columns, and serving as a host in radio and television, God clearly knew what kind of training would be best for the professional vision He had in store for me. And I am thankful that I listened.

Sometimes the decisions we make seem obvious, while at other times, our decisions can feel difficult and confusing. This week, I feel led to share 12 questions to help you make solid, deliberate decisions - whether big or small - in your career, relationships, finances and health. Too often, it seems, we can get into the habit of making emotional or hasty decisions. But the wisest decisions are Spirit-led and thoughtfully considered. What I want for you is to make deliberate decisions that enrich the quality of your life.

Creating the life you want is really about the choices you make. In essence, if you can manage your decisions well, you will prosper professionally, personally, financially and emotionally. Consider a decision you have been pondering and ask yourself these questions:

1. IS NOW THE TIME TO MAKE THIS DECISION?
Timing is key when it comes to good decisions. You must be willing to move when it's time to move and be patient when it is time to be still. Have the courage to wait for divine timing. Don't force a decision. Allow it to flow naturally. Clearly, some decisions must be made quickly, but don't be hasty. You can still gather facts, consider your alternatives, pray and make a wise decision.

2. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS DECISION?
"Why" you are doing something is the fuel that drives your decision. Make sure you are making decisions out of pure motives and be clear about why the decision needs to be made and what objective will be met by making it.

3. WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO MAKE THE DECISION?
One of the main causes of poor decision-making is a lack of information. Do not make a decision before you have all of the information you need to make a wise, informed decision. Take the time to learn and gather information.

4. WHAT ARE MY ALTERNATIVES? WHICH ONE IS EASIEST? WHICH ONE IS BEST?
When you are ready to move forward, it can be tempting to zero in on one option without considering all of your options. Always ask yourself, "What options haven't I considered?" Also keep in mind that there are times when the easiest decision is the best decision. At other times, the best decision is the one that requires the most effort or patience.

5. WHAT WILL EACH ALTERNATIVE COST ME?
Weigh all of your options and compare them. Know what the cost will be to you - not just in terms of money, but time, energy, relationships, space and other resources.

6. WHAT OTHER FACTORS ARE INFLUENCING MY DECISION?
Be honest and recognize what factors are influencing your decision. Are you making a decision because it will boost your ego or impress others? Are you in a particular career because others have pressured you? Some influences positively impact your decisions, while others move you away from the core of who you truly are.

7. WHAT DO I FEEL IN MY SPIRIT IS THE RIGHT DECISION FOR ME?
You are not alone in your decision making. Pray and listen for divine guidance. Then muster up the faith and courage to follow it.

8. WHO IS THE RIGHT PERSON TO ASSIST ME IN MY DECISION?
"In the multitude of counsel, there is safety," Proverbs 15:22 tells us. When a decision calls for it, reach out to those who have the experience and background to help you make a wise decision. Be discreet and wise about who you choose to trust with helping you in making a decision. Only share with those who are objective, trustworthy and have your best interests at heart.

9. DOES THIS DECISION MOVE ME CLOSER TO MY VISION OR FURTHER FROM IT?
When your daily decisions are aligned with your vision, you create the life you truly want. In every decision, consider your vision and make sure your decisions further it.

10. IS THE DECISION ALIGNED WITH MY VALUES?
In Listen to Your Life, I list many values and ask you to identify yours. For example, the five values that are nearest to my heart are freedom, creativity, truth, beauty and connection. Know what is important to you and make sure your decisions reflect those values.

11. WHAT WOULD BE THE IDEAL SCENARIO? WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO BRING MY IDEAL SCENARIO TO LIFE?
It is often tempting to make decisions that cause you to "settle" for something less than God has in store. Be clear about your ideal scenario for any given situation and reflect on whether the decision you make will bring that ideal scenario to life. If not, perhaps it is time to consider an alternative or wait until a better opportunity presents itself.

12. IS THIS DECISION PLEASING TO GOD?
Ultimately, a wise a decision is a Godly decision. If your decision is aligned with the Word of God and God's will for your life, you can be assured it is a wise one. So be honest with yourself and don't let your emotions take over your decisions. Do what you know in your spirit is right.

My challenge to you this week:
Make a choice to start being deliberate about the decisions you make. Identify a key decision that you need to make and use this process to help you make your decision.

Journaling assignment:
Consider the decision(s) you need to make in your life right now. Journal through that decision with the questions in this week's newsletter.

Until next time ...

Warm wishes,
Valorie

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Valorie Burton, a life coach and speaker, is the author of Listen to Your Life, Rich Minds, Rich Rewards and her latest, What's Really Holding You Back?. She has been interviewed by CNN, InStyle, Self, Real Simple, Ebony, Essence, Black Enterprise, The 700 Club, The Los Angeles Times, and hundreds of other media outlets nationwide.
Subscribe to her FREE, inspirational e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com.

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Please feel free to forward the Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter to friends and colleagues, but please forward in its entirety. The Rich Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter is written and distributed by Inspire, Inc. Copyright (c) 2005 Valorie Burton. All rights reserved. http://www.ValorieBurton.com .

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