Some people get caught up in the minutia of little decisions, while others see the larger, long term impact of decision making. It’s been argued that quick, instinctual decision making may prove rash and ultimately incorrect in the short term, but have little effect on long term results.

If you approach decision making in a more whimsical fashion, making decisions and moving on quickly to the next item without thought, depending solely upon your initial gut response, you would be correct in your decision making around 80% of the time.

If you approach decision making in a more thoughtful, and reflective manner, devoting more time to the process before making a decision, you would be right approximately 80% of the time.

The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, and named for the Italian economist-sociologist, Vilfredo Pareto, who published an efficiency-focused paper in 1896, is a theory maintaining that 80 percent of the output from a given situation or system is determined by 20 percent of the input. Essentially, 80% of effects come from 20% of the causes.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Life is a constant stream of decisions. You make little decisions without thought or consideration, and you make grander decisions that require time and reflection first. Clearly, the weight of the decision affects your approach for tackling it. So, the decision to accept – or decline – a particular job opportunity is fascinating.

There are many factors vying for your attention when considering a job offer.

Through a professional looking glass, the job should provide for advancement – a succession plan, new learning, specialized training, or more money.

From a personal perspective, you must consider how the new job will affect your family, friends, commitments, and overall lifestyle. Money is important. There are always bills to pay. Remember, if you make a ton of money, and you hate the company culture or the city you relocated to, you’ll never be happy.

Without happiness, there is no success.

To give yourself the best chance of happiness, reflect upon the interview process, and weigh the exchange following each interview. Consider the overall conversation with each individual you encountered along the way – the highs and lows – and reflect upon where connections between you and the other person were made. It is within these moments that the key to your success is revealed.

Body language, voice intonation, speed of delivery, and time spent on a given topic are all indicators. If you’re aware, there’s a great deal of information available. You have to contextualize it, but consistent messages or themes are most likely reality.

Then again, maybe you should just wing it, throw caution to the wind, and see how things play out. The odds are you’re right.