The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

What’s the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make? Why?

“What’s the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make?” It’s a loaded question, isn’t it?

At first glance, I thought of the decisions I’ve made over the years—some big, others seemingly small but just as impactful.

Truth is life is a never-ending series of tough decisions.

Every day, every month, every year, we’re faced with choices that shape the trajectory of our lives. Some of them we make without fully understanding the consequences—like deciding what to study, whether to go to university, which career path to follow, who to marry, or even when to start a family. These are life-defining decisions, the kind that echo through the years. But then there are the quieter, everyday dilemmas within those larger choices.

For example, as a parent, I’ve had to make decisions that felt monumental in their own way. Guiding children is a delicate art because you learn, often the hard way, that what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Each child is unique, and their needs, dreams, and challenges demand a tailored approach.

If life were as simple as a universal formula for success, we’d all be millionaires, retired early, living happily ever after. But that’s not reality, is it? What I’ve come to realise is that the hardest decisions aren’t always about right versus wrong. They’re about choosing between good and better—or worse, between bad and worse—and being at peace with the consequences.

For me, the key to navigating life’s toughest decisions boils down to one thing: patience.

I used to think that being impulsive and taking risks was the way to win big. And sometimes, yes, risk pays off. But more often than not, it’s patience that turns out to be the ultimate winner. Patience gives you the clarity to step back, weigh your options properly, and make a decision with your head rather than your heart. It’s not glamorous, and it won’t always make you happy, but it will leave you content—and that, I believe, is the real goal.

After all, contentment is far more sustainable than fleeting happiness. It doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams or settling for less. It means making peace with the fact that life isn’t about chasing unrealistic goals but about appreciating the journey and the lessons learned along the way.

So, what’s the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make? Perhaps it’s realising that there’s no single answer. Every decision, big or small, has its weight and its worth. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s this: wait, reflect, and let patience guide you. Because sometimes, the hardest decision isn’t the choice itself—it’s having the strength to pause before you leap.