Decision-making is not a superpower that some people have, it involves a whole process we have to be aware of. Some of the standard decision-making steps are: identify the decision, gather relevant information, contemplate and analyze the alternatives, choose the best alternative, take action, and evaluate.
Of course, we are all different from each other and it's important to develop our own decision-making process. We need to know what works better for ourselves in order to make better decisions.
So, how can volunteering help you with decision-making?
First of all, it helps you to get to know yourself a little better: how do you react in a different context? how do you deal with culture shock?
Secondly, it helps you to think outside your mental frames and be aware of different perspectives and alternatives. It reminds you that not all decisions are made by individuals, that you are not alone, and that you can always learn from others.
Also, one of the bigger barriers to decision-making is to take action, and volunteering encourages you to be more confident about yourself and to take the initiative.
Here you can check out some insights from past volunteers:
“One of my finals conclusions of my volunteer experience would be that I want to be less stressed when I coming back to Australia and just enjoy life more and do what I love and yeah get to know different people and get out of your comfort zone because I think I was a bit stuck before coming to Argentina and then coming here I have become a lot more open.”
“After this, I’ve decided to go back to Australia and work with teenagers in schools. I had thought about doing it anyway, and then as soon as I volunteered here, I knew that I wanted to do that. This has kind of lead onto that.”
“Volunteering, whether at a kindergarten or a medical clinic, helps each of us gain an educated and enriched perspective on a culture outside of our own. And though some of us may already be moving on to new adventures, our time in Buenos Aires will always serve to remind us of the positive change that occurs, both in a community and within ourselves, when cultural barriers are broken.”
“Whatever community or neighbourhood you experience can only broaden your perspective on your problems. Experiences good or bad, can only help achieve a better understanding of problems, whether your own or the problems within the community”
