I recently read The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha and although there were lots of take-aways I noted his description of three "tests" that could be applied to decision making. They are:

The Saturday Morning Test - if you want to know what passion is at your core or what you are truly prioritizing in your life look at how you spend your time on an unencumbered Saturday morning. If you don't have an unencumbered Saturday apply it to any unallocated free time - what do you do with it or what would you ideally do with it. This test helps ground you to know yourself better.

The Bench Test - if you are thinking about joining a group, starting with a new company, moving to a new neighbourhood or going to a school you can help decide if the "fit" is right for you by sitting in the environment and watching and listening. What are the interactions between friends like? What are the greetings between strangers like? What is the tone and topic of conversation you pick up? What is the energy or mood like? If something feels off to you pay attention and perhaps ask some questions of yourself and others to get to the bottom of what you noticed. If you find yourself sitting and quietly smiling or humming a tune maybe you have found a place of comfort.

The Five People Test - You will be the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with..... the average intellectually, physically, and emotionally. Watch as there is a shift in your 5 people..... what is the impact to you in each realm? Consciously think about this impact and make healthy decisions for you. And remember - you are part of someone else's 5 people so try and bring their average up with your presence.