Decision-making

Leadership isn't making all the decisions. It is making sure the right decisions are made. — Andy Stanley

Major Ferdinand Paolo S. Quiocho, Commandant of Civil-Military Operations, held a seminar with us as part of the Enhanced Learning Program concerning decision-making skills. This will further improve our skills in choosing what actions to be done without any hesitations. Thus, he challenged us to think and reflect on the hardest decision we have made and what actions we have taken to improve it.

The hardest decision-making I have made in my life is trying to attend the Philippine National Police Academy for the second time. Back then, I just mindlessly thought that being a policeman was my calling, and I was eager to try it. Then I learned about PNPA, so I decided to join. I just thought that I could wing it on my first try. I gave half-hearted efforts, as I was confident I could get in, even with minimal effort, because I was so used to getting what I planned with the same habit for years. Then the harsh reality slapped me to my senses. I failed my first attempt. It was painful, and I couldn’t eat properly due to disappointment. I tried to be strong and not show any weaknesses in front of my family, but I could not fool myself into thinking I was enough and that I did my best. I could have done better, but I messed up the chance to prove it. Also, I know that once I enter the academy, I will give up my civilian life and cannot contact my family. It was tough because I am close to my family and friends, and the thought of not seeing them for years saddens me. Additionally, life as a cadet was more challenging than I imagined. Thus indeed, joining the PNPA was the hardest decision I ever made.

Thankfully, my family kept supporting my dreams, and though afraid, their support pushed me into trying once again. If given a second chance, I would also do the same thing. This time, I prepared very early. I enhanced not only my academic aptitude but also my physical fitness. I also prayed for God to support me and help me achieve my dream. My failure to get at my first try was a wake-up call for me to not take things for granted and to work hard for what I want. Thankfully I passed the second try, and I am now a cadet. In this way, Our Daily Life Decisions Give Us Opportunities To Become Better At What We Do.[1] Looking back, I believe good support would help individuals achieve their dreams. My parents are proof as they kept on thinking of me and helping to achieve whatever I wanted to be in life. Also, the strength to try again is the crucial ingredient. We gain something from losses. I learned this as my failure showed me the importance of managing time and appreciating every moment to hone ourselves into the best version we know of. I am extremely grateful to the Lord for giving me a chance to enter this prime institution and achieve my dream. The PNPA has honed into the best version of me yet, and I know I can still improve. If given a chance to relive my time again, I would choose to try again by joining this academy.

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[1] Kishore, K. (2022, January 8). Decision-making & its importance in problem-solving. Harappa. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://harappa.education/harappa-diaries/what-is-decision-making/