Choices Have Consequences
The state of life.
Much has been said about what life is but much more has been left unspoken. It is a classroom where anything can happen. At one time, the student can be the teacher and circumstances can make them exchange places. Life is unapologetic.
Most importantly is the power everyone wields over their lives. This power is vested in decisions.
The beauty is that we take credit for the failure or success of what we become. What we may consider as insignificant choices finally come to haunt us day and night.
Love it or hate it, choices have consequences.
Decision making.
We may think that decisions are what is only reached in boardrooms or in other official meetings. The many choices we make daily are also decisions that cumulatively form the bigger picture.
The irony is that when we choose to make a choice, we have made a decision. When we also choose not to make any choice, we have equally made a decision. We cannot escape decision-making for what it is and when we finally settle on our preferences, we should be ready to face what comes along with it.
The moment of truth.
The moment of truth comes when we are between a rock and a hard place. It is when circumstances force us to choose between options we would rather avoid. 
You need to evaluate what are the consequences of each option. There are some sacrifices you may have to make at the altar of decision making. This does not make you any less a better person.
Many people fail when it is demanded of them to choose between two very dear alternatives. They forget that their inaction is also a choice they have made. Thereafter, the aftermath of their inaction starts haunting them.
The aftermath.
Although you may not realize it yet, decision-making is not for the faint-hearted. The consequences of your choices have made you survive the hardships of life (and equally its greatness).
Up to now, you must be aware of one law of nature – the law of action and reaction. It is not rocket science as you once perceived when you first heard of it.
Every choice we make (action) has its consequences (reaction). The two follow each other in tow. It can never be wished away. Although the consequences may delay, they shall finally come knocking at your door. 
Here is what you should possibly expect from your choices:
The reaction of those whom your choice has not favored.
You already know that your decisions shall not please everyone. Some people will be happy about it while others will not be amused. What you do not know is the reaction of those who will be unhappy.
Your choice could hurt their interests and they will not take it lightly. It is natural for people to protect their territories. Anyone who crosses the line is a targeted enemy.
Those not favored by your choice shall withdraw their support from you. They cannot partner with someone who does not consider their interests. While you could have acted innocently for self-preservation, they will cut you off for it. This is the price you have to pay in decision-making.
Uncertainty on the future in your choice.
Sometimes you may have to make first-time choices. You may have to travel in an unfamiliar path for the greater good. Most sober decisions are not popular. They are landmark choices that could completely turn around your life.
There is a certain degree of doubt coupled with anxiety about what lies ahead in store for you. You have no one to turn to and ask about their experience in the choice you have made. You can only trust yourself.
It is perfectly normal to doubt yourself at the beginning but you must not withdraw from what you have started.
Change of environment.
The best assurance in life is that change is constant. It can work for or against us. The circumstances around what made us initially decide can change. What will happen if they change to what we wanted after we have already chosen to move forward?
This is a tough call to make especially if you have already started implementing your choice. Going back will make you look indecisive. For the sake of your dignity and sanity, you will have to reassure yourself that you made the right choice given the prevailing circumstances at that time.
Unmet expectations of your choice.
You cannot have everything all the time. This is a lesson that most people hardly learn. It is one of the possible consequences of your choices. It does not make your initial decision bad. You made it based on what was good for you and you were convinced of its success.
You are strong for making an unpopular choice even if it may not have eventually worked as you had hoped for. Although some of your choices may disappoint, you cannot quit decision-making. Ever.
Unmet expectations fortify your personality and reception to failure. You become better than what you had hoped and disappoint those who expected your downfall.
Your recovery plan.
With all these possible consequences of your choices, you need to know how you can handle them. You should be able to brave the rejection(s) and bask in the glory of your successes.
As you think about the choices on your table, you should plan the way forward whether or not your choices are successful. 
This is more important because you cannot dwell on the past. A good plan will have you recover quickly from any setback (should there be any).
Whether good or bad, your choices will have their effects. Are you prepared for them?
Every choice you make should be for a good cause. Your conscience should be clear that you mean well. The sooner you recognize decision-making as a battle that you have to win, the better for you. As you choose, settle on long-term benefits and not short-term gratification.
