Rensselaer Union and Jasper Republican, Volume 8, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 April 1876 — Irresolution. [ARTICLE]

Irresolution.

There are few conditions of mind more painful to endure, and more fatal to efficiency or success, than irresolution. Most of us can recall occasions when we have been thus afflicted, hesitating anxiously between two opposite courses, preferring first one ana then the other, as their several advantages present themselves, becoming each moment more confused and uncertain, and, though vexed and ashamed of the delay, yet utterly unable to end it by a decision. We may be happy if such a condition is rare and exceptional with us; if our usual habit is to think deliberately, decide resolutely, and act firmly. The irresolute man is continually wasting energy. The power that should be economized for action he consumes in anxious alterations of opinion. Does he propcae a journey, a business enterprise, or some change in his mode of life, he is torn with conflicting thought# as to its desirability. The inducements to carry it out appear in glowing colors, and he thinks his purpose is settled; then possibilities of failures and fears of disappointment bear on him so strongly that he almost renounces it. Again convictions of its benefit press with renewed force, and he oscillates most painfully between the two courses, not having sufficient firmness either to undertake or to relinquish the enterprise. Meanwhile the ‘delay itself firequentty, settles the tnatter: the time in which he might have chosen for himself passes away, and he is forced to

accept what fate haa left him without any reference to hta. Judgment or preference. Directly the power of choice is removed, nil the advantages of the opposite plan rush upon him with ten-fold forob; he Is sure that that would have been his selection bad the opportunity been prolonged; and, consequently, acting upon compulsion, without heart or faith, and, indeed against what he now thinks his better judgment, his failure and his discontent are both insured. In the smaller details ot life, this Irresolution, !f less disatrous, is even more vexatious and annoying. To waver about trifles, to hesitate aha doubt and balance probabilities upon eve/y little matter that presents itself for immediate decision, is a lamentable waste of power, distressing! to one’s self, and irritating to every looker-on. It is better to make some mistakes, we should 1 olltleclarC, than to thus constantly lose time and force in debating the pro and con of each petty action. As habit of self-dependence is one most important ingredient in a resolute character. He who, either from inclination or the force of circumstances, has always leaned upon others, can hardly be expected to show much energy In decisions, or much inflexibility of purpose. It is just here that freedom becomes so palpable a blessing, giving to every man and woman the opportunity for acquiring a self-re-liance that nothing else can supply. It is, perhaps, hardly possible for one who has attained maturity with a vacillating, irresolute nature ever to become a decided and resolute character. Still there are various degrees of this valuable quality, and it is within the power of each individual so to discipline himself as to strengthen and increase it. A thoughtful survey of every important subject on which we are called to decide is necessary to this end. There is a time for deliberation as well as for action, and when the former is crowded into the latter a wisedefcision is impossible. All aids to this end should be warmly weleomed r not aB props to support our weakness, but as means to correct our judgment. The inflexibility that refuses to receive such aid, and only seeks to enforce its own will, is obstinacy, not decision. When, however, we have brought all foreign helps into connection with our own judgment, and have thus formed the best conclusion we can in the time allowed, we must, as far as possible, dismiss further consideration and proceed to immediate action. In the less important details of daily life, we shall not greatly err in forcing ourselves to'anlmmediate choice, though we may still question its wisdom. This seif-com-pulsion will be most salutary, especially if we cultivate the habit of revising our actions with a view to avoid in the future the mistakes into which we may have fallen. —Philadelphia Ledger.