It’s OK to Go with Your Gut

As class requests are finalized and college acceptances are sent, there is no question that many of us are making important decisions in the coming weeks. If you’re like me and struggle with everyday choices like “What should I have for lunch today?” you may also find it hard to cope with these potentially life-changing moments.

So, after studying numerous WikiHow articles on “Making Good Decisions” (I wish I were kidding), I discovered what I believe to be the best advice to anyone worried about their future: “Don’t look back.”

So simple, and yet so seemingly reckless. What happens if we impulsively make a decision that has undesirable consequences? Well, according to Wiki’s “How to Make Good Decisions” (not to be confused with “How to Make Better Decisions”), following your instincts and making a decision for you and no one else ensures some confidence in making the “correct choice”.

Although this all may seem obvious, I have found that the concept of trusting your gut is severely downplayed in favor of “safer”, more analytical strategies. The best decision I’ve ever made was based upon my instincts, and I’ve never looked back.

I’ve lived in Lafayette almost my whole life and grew up down the street from Acalanes; no one could have predicted my impulsive decision to choose Campolindo, including myself. My parents supported me, as always, but questioned me about the reasoning behind my decision. I told them exactly what I’m telling you now: it just seemed like the right thing to do.

I was happy at Stanley; transferring was not the result of friend problems, academic issues, or anything in between. Nevertheless, I felt that new people, a new town, and a new school would impact my life in a positive way.

Sure, according to US News & World Report rankings, Campolindo is technically the superior school (sorry Dons, it’s the truth!), but that hardly influenced my decision. Ultimately, I chose Campolindo simply because it felt right. I’ve never once felt regret, nor wondered what my life would be like at Acalanes. 4 years later, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, surrounded by people who support me and opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise.

I hope that my good judgement continues as I decide where I’ll spend the next 4 years of my life, and I wish the same for all of my fellow seniors. Though everything may seem overwhelming right now, just know that anything that feels right probably is right. I’m not telling you to throw all logic out the window, but rather to recognize and understand your instincts; they’ll take you further than you expect.

Regardless of what you choose: don’t look back.