decision making

Thinking

Really think about things.

The world is full of things that require serious thought: complex problems, ambiguous situations, or just regular human interactions.

The problem is that most people are quick to jump to conclusions. They “go with their gut” or just use a preconceived notion.

There is strength in really thinking about complex things, breaking them down, and coming to reasoned conclusions.

Philosophers have known this for centuries. They can spend years looking at one question and trying to reason out an answer that works.

The same goes for scientists. Some spend their entire careers trying to look for the answer to a singular problem.

Look at a question you have and really think about it. Question your assumptions, and the assumptions of others. Try to understand it.

Haiku – coral

sea turtle hovers
amongst rainbowed fishes and
variegated coral

Decisions

Some decisions aren’t important.

Should you wear a blue tie or a red tie. Should you get McDonald’s or Taco Bell. Should you watch Masked Singer or The Voice.

Other decisions are of the utmost importance.

Who should you marry. What should you study in school. When/if you should have kids.

Then there are those in the middle.

Should you exercise today. Should you buy a new or used car. Where should you go on vacation.

So you need to be able to identify the importance, or weight, of the decisions, and use that to inform the time dedicated to making them.

For simple decisions maybe automate them, or just make the choice so easy as to be trivial, like rolling a dice or flipping a coin.

For slightly more important decisions come up with a quick decision framework, or pre-choose based on some criteria.

For important, but not life altering, decisions, spend time digging into the options, doing research, building out pro/con lists, but give yourself a deadline to make the decision.

For life altering decisions take all the time you need to truly understand what the effects of your choices are. Forecast how the decision could affect your future. Do everything you can to play out different scenarios.

Being a good decision maker, at every level, is a super power.

stepping-stone

spiral-carved stumps
stretch like so many lined
stepping-stone paths