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Making Decisions

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Making Decisions
I found in my review of the literature the following statement from the Enchiridion, where Epictetus notes: “In life, there are things you control, and things you do not control. Focus on the things you control.” to be very enlightening. The knowledge of Epictetus’s teaching comes from the Enchiridion (Epictetus, 1991).
I was recently provided the opportunity to pursue a new job opportunity, and based on the note from Epictetus along with the constraints of my own decision making I decided to focus on the things I control and pursue what could be a once in a lifetime job opportunity.
Initially I had limited information concerning the position, which was a Service to Armed Forces Regional Manager with the Red Cross. In addition to the normal questions like salary, hours, and scope of responsibilities I was also very concerned having recently retired from the Air Force to spend more time with my immediate family if I would have to deploy.
Being more than qualified for the position I wasn’t worried about my capabilities for the position, but I was concerned about my level of commitment in fully pursuing the opportunity. Currently my life is very busy with my regular job, running a chapter of a non-profit organization that helps Wounded Warriors resocialize and heal through paddling sports in the city that I live in, and working on Master’s degree in Project Management. Ultimately, the idea of adding one more thing that could take away even initially from my families quality of life gave me reason to pause.
I imagined what it would be like to have this new position. I discussed it with my wife and we took into consideration the increased salary, the extended drive commute time, and several other pros and cons. Having been in the military for 23 years I even considered my desire to basically have a stress free life and therefore maybe not

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