Our daily activities include many options.   What we choose to do at any moment is our choice.   In this context, the activity can be related to work, leisure or just rest (sleeping).

Often the environment or other people influence the choice of action to such a strong degree we declare “I had to do it” or “You made me do it”.  This is a fair comment, as overriding influences external to yourself is not always easy but it is not accurate. 

Ultimately, it’s up to you

At one extreme, if you are being robbed at gunpoint, it is arguable there is only one right behavioural choice, give the robber what they want.  While that might be the most common response to this situation, different responses have been known to happen (e.g., resistance, attack). 

The way you choose to behave or respond in any given situation may well feel like it was situational, often simply because the circumstances dictate it is the best response.  

However, notwithstanding all the influences present,  you make the decision.  Whether made in the moment or time is available for consideration having an advance understanding of your priorities can really help shape whatever you decide to do. 

Personal Priorities

Personal priorities stem from your personal life goals and values.  In many cases, you will apply these without forethought.  For example in the robber situation, it is very common for our personal value to preserve life to kick in. 

For some, preserving personal wealth is a higher priority and the response may be to resist giving the robber what they seek.  Having an advance sense of our priorities can enable us to make better choices.  Or at least be very comfortable in the choice we make.