5 Tips to make better decisions

And to lessen the anguish of having to choose between A, B, C…

Hello friends!

We don’t realize it, but every day we make hundreds of decisions. We don’t realize it because most of the decisions we make are based on habit or what we can call “instinct” or “intuition”. Usually, we only notice the problem of deciding when we face an important decision such as whether or not to move to another city, start or end a relationship, choose a college or career.

Regardless of the size of the choice, if we need to deliberate a little more, we can use the 5 tips to make a better decision:

1) Time evaluation

Let’s say you need to decide between A and B. If you have time to make the choice, it might be reasonable to weigh the options in detail, calmly and quietly. Now if the decision should have already been made or has to be made in 5 minutes, the best strategy is to use past experience in similar situations and intuition (what Americans call guts, which means at the same time instinct, belly and courage, bravery).

For example, you’re in the supermarket and you’re in doubt between product A and B. You won’t spend an hour evaluating which is better. You base it on some factors like previous experience, price, promotion and choose between A and B.

In this tip 1, let’s consider the time we have to make the decision. If it is possible to take the time to choose, we can use all the normal ways of thinking in the process: intuition, instinct, habit and a rational and detailed evaluation of the pros and cons.

2) Assessing the importance

As we said at the beginning of the text, there are decisions that are practically irrelevant – like choosing to turn a corner or the next one to reach the desired path – and there are decisions that will change your life. This step to make a better decision does not even seem very relevant, since we are usually going to be distressed precisely with the most complicated and difficult choices.

However, we must not disregard the assessment of importance because it is not always the case to distinguish between small decisions or big decisions because, in a sense, life is a sum of small decisions and, although a big decision changes our life in a different direction , nothing prevents us from realizing the mistake later on and changing course.

But in principle, this tip consists of noticing the difference between choosing a product from the supermarket and choosing between car A and B or between apartment A and B. Evidently, you will not choose the latter as a product in the supermarket.

Therefore, do not choose the same way: in these cases, evaluate each aspect of the options in detail. In many cases, holding back the impulse to sign the contract right away is the wisest thing to do, as a little more thought can help us make a better decision.

3) Evaluating the data

For more complex decisions, we need to carefully analyze the data. The very word analysis already conveys the meaning of this process: dividing into parts to understand and be able to visualize the relationship between the parts and the whole (synthesis).

For example, if there is doubt about which college to choose, it is necessary to take into account the specific data of each one:

– duration;

– costs;

– localization;

– curriculum;

– labor market;

– average wage…

The only precaution is not to get lost in a sea of ​​information and data. A good tactic is to separate by areas and compare options (for example, compare the job market between A and B, then compare the curriculum, and so on). And another is knowing when to stop getting more data. Too much data can make the decision even more difficult, so know when enough is enough.

4) Assessing influence on others

This fourth tip is quite simple: important decisions will certainly have an impact on people close to you, in your family or at work. So consider the influence the decision will have on their lives and, just as important, talk to them about what they think of the options and possible choice.

But pay attention to the fact that the ultimate decision, for each one of us, is up to each one of us. That is, you can listen to others and understand their points of view, however, the responsibility for the decision is always individual.

For example, a partner decides not to move to another city so as not to have to spend the entire week away from the family. It is a decision that rests with this individual. After years of blaming other people for your choice is not taking responsibility for your decision.

5) Evaluating the quality of the decision in the long term

Normally, we imagine the choice through the metaphor of a path. Supposedly, you want to get to a place (goal). But to do so, you can choose route A or B or C or D… or Z. The reason why making a decision can turn into an agonizing task is because – even after all the previous evaluations – doubt still lingers. :

– What if…

– What if it doesn’t work?

– What if I had taken another direction?

– And if it is better to go back and start again along this other route?

Well, a good decision is one that we’re going to stick with for the long haul. And that is why it is so fundamental to conclude the selection process with the question:

– In 5, 10 years, will I be satisfied if I choose this option?

In some cases, this question is up in the air. But deep down we know whether yes or no. At the very least, this question will eliminate impulse-wrong choices.

Conclusion

It is common sense to say that life is made of choices. Despite the commonplace, this is a profound truth. If you had made other choices, you wouldn’t be where you are today. If I had not chosen to read this text, I would not be reading these last words. This is true for small choices (like reading a text or not) and for big choices. Big and small, they are the choices that will shape the place where you will be in the coming years.

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