With apologies to the redoubtable work of Frost,
When we think of decisions, we tend to think as there being only one right one leading to the one right path. The finality of the decision seems to have a bearing on the finality on the outcome.
So successes seem to be based on the right decisions we make. All failures in hindsight are attributed to incorrect decisions.
We incorrectly attribute the results of our decision with the decision itself
Decisions are simple, often there are only 1-2 things which are really important to consider but they often look much more complicated
Some simple steps to remove this conundrum of decisions —
- Remove focus from Decisions to Choices: Decisions make us think too long term whereas choices force us to think more practically. Most choices eliminate themselves making decisions simpler
- Apply the “Wrong” approach to Choices: Instead of treating Decisions as right or wrong, we can view our choices as “wrong, less wrong, least wrong”. This “wrong” approach segregates risks from the situation, forces us to find flaws in logic and implies there is rarely one single right choice.
- Remove focus from Choices to Actions: Based on the choices we get, there are rarely any wrong decisions. It is our actions after the decision which determine the result of the decision. Decisions are often deemed irreversible, actions though fortunately are not. Incorrect decisions can expend time, but good actions can always improve the outcome
- Remove focus from Emotional State to Emotions: Unlike what is popularly believed, emotions are important in decisions as they feed the actions we perform. But an emotional state is never good for a decision, treat your emotions as an external observer
There are two movies playing in the theater over the weekend. I have time to only see one. I think I will stay home, play with my son and read a book…..
Note: This post is about decisions in life, not decisions about LIFE. In the latter, mortality is a real outcome (think soldiers, fire-fighters etc.) which fortunately most of us do not have to face.
