Book SummaryHow to Make Great Decisions, by Mike Schmitz

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of How to Make Great Decisions

Dangers of Self-Focused Discernment and Need For Self-Donation

Schmitz begins by addressing a common pitfall in discernment: the tendency to focus solely on our own desires and goals. He argues that genuine discernment should not primarily revolve around maximizing personal happiness or finding the path that allows for the greatest personal expression. Instead, to discern means surrendering our own will to the will of God, embracing self-donation instead of clinging to self-fulfillment.

Discernment Should Not Maximize Personal Happiness or Self-Expression

Schmitz challenges the pervasive notion that the goal of life is to find the career, relationships, or life choices that will make us happiest. He emphasizes that considering decisions from this perspective places ourselves at the center, prioritizing our own wants over the path that God intends for us. The author further warns against the pitfall of the "choice paradox," stating that an abundance of options can lead to a relentless pursuit of the "perfect," which often hinders us from recognizing the good that already exists in our lives.

Discernment on Self-Actualization and Expression Leads to Dangerous "Expressive Individualism," Centering Life on the Individual

Schmitz introduces the concept of "expressive individualism," explaining that this mindset leaves individuals constantly chasing after opportunities that will maximize their happiness and self-expression. The author argues that this approach, rather than leading to genuine fulfillment, often results in a self-centered approach to life, overlooking the needs of others. This can lead to feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction, as individuals remain fixated on their own desires.

Context

• The term "expressive individualism" is often associated with the cultural shifts of the 20th century, particularly in Western societies, where there was a growing emphasis on personal freedom and self-expression as a reaction against traditional norms and collective identities.
• This mindset can weaken community bonds and social cohesion, as individuals may become less inclined to engage in cooperative or altruistic behaviors.
• Experts in personal development often advocate for integrating self-expression with other life domains, such as work, family, and community, to achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Discernment: Looking Beyond Self to Benefit Others

Schmitz suggests that genuine insight requires a shift in perspective—moving away from a focus on self and towards a posture of service to others. He encourages readers to consider how their unique gifts and talents can be used to meet the needs of those around them. This outward focus, the author argues, is the antidote to the isolation and disillusionment that can accompany a solely...

How to Make Great Decisions Summary The Tiers of God's Purpose and Calling

Schmitz breaks down the concept of calling into three distinct levels. He describes the universal invitation to live a holy life as the primary vocation, emphasizing that every person is called to sainthood. He then delves into the secondary calling, which encompasses familiar paths such as marriage, priesthood, and a life of faith. Finally, he introduces the concept of tertiary vocation, highlighting the everyday responsibilities and duties we're called by God to fulfill.

Universal Call to Holiness

Central to the author's understanding of calling is the belief that all people, regardless of their life circumstances, are called by God to a life of holiness. Schmitz emphasizes that this main calling is universal and unchanging, a constant throughout one's existence.

God Calls Everyone To Sainthood, Regardless of Circumstances

Schmitz challenges the common misconception that sainthood is reserved for a select few. He underscores that every person, regardless of their past mistakes, weaknesses, or doubts, is invited to lead a sanctified life. The author encourages his readers to embrace their inherent dignity as children of God, recognizing that their ultimate...

How to Make Great Decisions Summary The Importance of Decision-Making and Action in Discernment

Schmitz challenges the notion of passive discernment, emphasizing that genuine discernment necessitates more than simply endless pondering and waiting for obvious signals. He argues that discernment calls for activity, urging readers to move forward with the information available, trusting that through taking steps, further clarity will be revealed.

True Discernment Calls for Action, Not Just Endless Pondering

Schmitz emphasizes that discerning isn't passive; rather, it demands action. He warns against falling into the trap of overthinking and seeking constant reassurance, explaining that true clarity often emerges through taking concrete steps in a particular direction. The author encourages readers to move forward with the information available, having faith that a higher power will guide their steps as they proceed.

Discernment Without Decision-Making and Follow-Up Is Fruitless

Schmitz emphasizes that discerning isn't merely an intellectual exercise but requires a willingness to decide and take concrete steps based on the insights gained. He explains that without translating our reflections into action, discernment remains theoretical and ultimately unfruitful....

How to Make Great Decisions Summary Practical Tools and Questions For Discernment

Schmitz provides a clear framework for understanding God’s call in our personal journeys, offering helpful queries and emphasizing the importance of aligning our actions with our desire to follow God’s will. He underscores the importance of grounding ourselves in divine favor through regular sacrament of reconciliation and prioritizing a daily practice of prayer.

Discernment Begins With Examining Grace and Spiritual Practices

Schmitz emphasizes that authentic decision-making is rooted in a personal connection with God. This connection flourishes through regular practices like prayer and frequenting the sacrament of reconciliation. He suggests that before diving into complex questions about our future, we should first examine our mindset and daily practices.

Grace and Prayer as Foundations

Schmitz underscores that discovering God's will isn't about deciphering cryptic signs but about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Him. He reminds readers that staying in God's grace through regular confession and cultivating a consistent prayer life are foundational to hearing God's voice clearly.

Practical Tips

• Journal your thoughts and feelings after each...

How to Make Great Decisions Summary The Process of Discernment and Doorways

Schmitz uses the metaphor of a doorway to illustrate the different stages of decision-making. He encourages viewing decisions as opportunities to step through doorways, recognizing that God’s presence awaits beyond them, even if mistakes are made along the way. He encourages us to step out in faith, even when uncertainty lingers, trusting that God will lead us towards His intended destination.

Discernment Entails Examining Possibilities or "Doors"

Schmitz uses the metaphor of an entrance to represent various life choices and vocations we encounter throughout life. Each door represents a potential path, inviting us to carefully determine if we should step through it or continue seeking elsewhere.

Discernment: Actively Choosing, Rather Than Delaying for Divine Guidance

The author emphasizes that discerning God’s will is not a passive process, waiting for a booming voice to dictate our next steps. He explains that God communicates in more subtle ways, often inviting us to actively participate in discovering His plan by exploring open doors and making choices based on prayerful consideration.

Practical Tips

• Create a daily 'subtlety journal' to record moments...