When we will start paying attention to our duties and stop interfering in other people's duties, then we will have the ability or power to make right decisions.

When we drop everything (i.e., worries about what other people will say) and make decisions based on our inner voice, then we will develop discrimination. In the beginning it takes longer to change our approach to decision making due to our attachment to sense enjoyments, greed and selfish acts. We may fear making mistakes. Except for God, everyone makes mistakes. We can progress only by learning from our mistakes. It is only human to make mistakes; however, we should get wiser from our mistakes and learn not to repeat the same mistake over and over again, birth after birth. This will help us to make right decisions.

Often a mistake teaches us a valuable lesson, whether it is our own mistake or someone else's. Mistakes are going to happen as long as we have lust, anger and greed in us. A mistake could be averted only if we have a pure, selfless heart.

In life, certain issues like what to eat or what to wear are trivial. What difference does it make whether one attends a party or watches a ball-game? What difference does is make what our status is in the community? Many decisions are not important, and they can be changed (Gita 2:16). All decisions other than to develop devotion to God are going to perish.

Following Yama and Niyama, we should become pure, and learn to hear our inner voice. Then only will we learn and have the inspiration to make the right decisions. Follow the inner voice and leave the results in the hands of God (Gita 2:47).

-- Swami Radhanandaji