Life skills for decision making, problem solving and goal setting
What is tested
Decision making, problem solving and goal setting. You need a step-by-step method and the ability to apply it to a scenario.
Decision making
- Identify the decision and why it matters.
- Gather reliable information.
- List options, including doing nothing.
- Weigh consequences - short and long term, for yourself and others.
- Choose.
- Act.
- Evaluate the result and adjust.
Problem solving
Define the problem precisely; separate symptoms from causes; generate possible solutions; compare them; implement; review. Critical thinking means questioning evidence and assumptions; creative thinking means generating new options.
Goal setting
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Goals should be broken into steps, with a review date. Time management supports them: prioritise urgent and important tasks, plan the week, avoid procrastination.
Related skills
Assertiveness and negotiation help you say no to peer pressure. Coping skills for stress include exercise, rest, talking to a trusted person and planning. Emotional regulation means noticing a feeling before acting on it.
Worked example
"I want to do well at school" is vague. SMART version: "I will study Mathematics for 45 minutes at 6 p.m. each weekday, complete 20 practice questions weekly, and aim for 70% in the end-of-term test, reviewed every Sunday." Reasoning: it names the action, the measure, the time and the target.
Traps
- Giving a goal with no time frame or measure.
- Listing options without weighing consequences.
- Confusing a problem with its cause (e.g., "I am failing" instead of "I miss lessons").
- Choosing the first option because it is easiest.