• School X has the best program for veterinary science, but has few other programs that interest you. You are worried that you might not be able to pass the mathematics courses that are required. You could go to School Y, where other programs would be available in case you decide to switch your major, but the veterinary program there is mediocre.
• You really want to own your own home, but you don't like the responsibility of its upkeep week after week. You could choose to own a condo instead where the upkeep is a part of the monthly payment, but you're not sure you would like so many people living in close proximity to you and interfering with your privacy.
• You want a job that involves helping people, but many jobs of that nature don't pay very well. You could take a better-paying job, and volunteer to work in a soup kitchen after your day job is finished. You're not sure, however, that you would have the energy to follow through with that plan after working all day.

In each situation described above, you need to make a decision that will ultimately facilitate your reaching your goal.

In the exercise below, you are asked to make a series of decisions and then consider the outcomes before you make your next decision.

Your goal is to own your own business one day. You are ready to graduate with a degree in business administration, and have a job lined up with a technology-based firm. They have offered you an entry-level position with a minimal salary, but have made it clear that they prefer someone with an MBA and are prepared to offer double the salary for an employee with that background. They suggest that perhaps you would consider going to graduate school and then reapply for a better position when you complete the MBA.

You already have several college loans to pay off, and will need some income for living expenses. Your parents have made it clear that they can't afford any additional tuition. Nor would you feel comfortable asking for more. Besides, your two sisters will have to go to college in the near future, and they will need some financial support from your parents.