According to research, an average person  makes about 2,000 decisions every waking hour.  The decisions are mostly common and not as important yet can dictate the running of the rest of the day. These things may include taking a cup of coffee or even wearing bright colored clothes.

Basically, there are three types of ignorance. There is factual ignorance, object ignorance and technical ignorance. The type of ignorance I talk about involves the three, depending on which serves the best purpose at that moment.

We all at some point, due to internal or external factors decide to be ignorant by choice. Owing to our human nature, our survival instincts when faced with danger are fight or flight.

We fight the truth or completely flee from what could potentially harm our views, beliefs, egos, if not necessarily our bodies. An example of this is that at times when afraid of the consequences of being denied or accepted, we opt to avoid love at all costs, which includes deciding to be ignorant of the merits of love or what it entails even.

We choose to not apply for our dream job because we are afraid of failing the interview or not meeting their expectations. We, therefore, decide to be ignorant of all things that could lead to this situation. It is probably not the best copying mechanism, but it sure gives us a temporary solution in those desperate situations.

How temporary such a solution is, is a different matter altogether. It could later become a lifestyle, forever holding us captive of our fears.

Is it actually possible for us to not choose to be ignorant about our fears so as to overcome them? To know so much about our fears and not be dragged down by them? To know enough about them to overcome them?  

Here are simple tips to help you make good decisions;

1. Write it down
2. Talk about it with someone you believe in
3. Don’t let it get to your head
4. Give yourself time
5. Measure the outcome, advantages and disadvantages
6. Let it align with your goals and values
7. Think about expectations, the outcome
8. Plan the execution
9. Re-evaluate the decision
10. Think about the possible impact it may have on your environment.

Written by Lilian Asiimwe, School of life