The traffic light turns green as I push the accelerator down and ease into the DMV parking lot to end my license test. Learning to drive goes beyond understanding the mechanics of a car or pumping gas or getting the oil changed. Learning to drive, above all, has taught me to be decisive. I’ve always struggled with making confident decisions. I would constantly question the decision, going back and forth with myself about how to even approach the situation. In high school, for instance, I struggled to quit the soccer team even when I knew I was passionate about track and field. I thought it would be easier for me to continue with what I was doing, despite my unhappiness, than commit to making a decision.
Driving didn’t afford me the same luxury. Driving forced me to make quick decisions—timing when to turn at an intersection, merging lanes, and following GPS directions. Driving forced me to commit to my decisions: I couldn’t change my mind in the midst of making a turn or slowing down for a yellow light. The confidence I gained from driving is reflected in my daily life as well. I learned to trust my instincts and do what’s right for me: I trust myself to make split-second decisions and think on my feet in difficult situations. During a recent presentation, for instance, a participant asked me a technical question that I may have previously delegated to my supervisor. Instead, I took a deep breath, focused my thoughts, and answered the question to the best of my ability. I’ve learned that while part of being decisive is the ability to make quick decisions, it is equally important to trust yourself that you’ve made the right one.
