I have had a lot of conversations lately about different people‘s priorities and how they vary so much from one individual to the next. I try to allow these conversations to inform my blog, because it feels like if something is coming up a lot, then it might be a pertinent topic for readers - and perhaps something you’ve been thinking about too.
So my topic is this: for some home decisions it feels like there is not always a clear-cut right or wrong choice, but I often say that I hope clients will ‘do the right thing,’ even if it might cause delays or put them over budget. But what does ‘the right thing’ even mean? That can sound so subjective. For me, it is all about the client and what’s important to them. This includes their values, their lifestyle, and what will truly make them happy in their home.
Prioritize What’s Important
Over the years I have seen that some clients connect more with a “feeling”, whereas others approach decisions in a very practical and functional way. Both can indicate a “right decision”, as long as the decision supports your needs and lifestyle.
This Theory in Practice
Which brings me to a little story I want to share about my sister (don’t worry, she is very used to this by now, and yes, I always get her permission first—lol). Last year after Christmas, a small holiday-themed painting caught her eye at a local hobby store. My immediate reaction was ‘Ew!!! Don’t buy mass-fabricated commercialized ART!!!’. She, however, brought up a variety of reasons to justify it, and while I initially pushed back, she kept circling back to it. She mentioned it several times over a period of days and even went back to the store multiple times just to look at it again. Eventually, I had a realization. I paused and said, ‘You know what? It seems like you really like it, so I think you should get it.’
Honestly, I even surprised myself with that suggestion, but that’s when it clicked for me: she wanted to buy it for a right reason. She genuinely loved it. It wasn’t about impressing anyone, or snagging a deal, or trying to keep up with what her friends had. She simply loved it, and that made it entirely valid in my eyes.
From that experience, I was reminded that the ‘right reasons’ and the ‘wrong reasons’ can shift entirely depending on the person and the situation. It’s not always black and white, but I do think there are some helpful guiding principles we can lean on when making decisions.
Here’s my general list of right and wrong reasons to make a decision:
Some right reasons:
- It works well for your lifestyle
- You need one, & this one is quality
Some wrong reasons:
- You can get it fast
- You can get it cheaply
- Your friends like it
- Everyone else has one
- You’re pushing to get something done for a party
Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, for every decision we make, I think we usually know the answer deep in our heart as to why we’re making it. So I want to encourage you to make your decisions for the right reasons. Even if it’s a little harder, takes a little longer, or requires a bit more sacrifice. I truly believe you’ll be happier with it in the long run.