5 Proven Techniques for Making Tough Decisions

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Assess the pros and cons, imagine the worst case scenario, and look for the middle.

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We make thousands of decisions a day. Most of them are small and imperceptible: whether to follow a link, take a sip of coffee, or scratch your nose. But there are decisions that can significantly affect our lives. In these cases, it is best to act seriously. Entrepreneur Aytekin Tank offers five options.

1. Make a list of pros and cons

Let's say you are thinking about moving. Take a piece of paper and write a classic list of pros and cons. Then rate each item from 1 to 10 based on how important it is to you personally.

For example, if you really need to stay closer to your family, then put a score of 9 or 9, 5 next to this item. mountain peaks, the score will be only 2 or 3 points. It's the same with the cons. If a career is important to you, “quitting your favorite job” can be estimated at 8 points.

Add up all the points and see which outweighs. You can make a separate list for the "don't move" option. Compare the results. You will see a logical number supported by emotions. This often helps to deal with subconscious tendencies.

2. Consider options for the development of events

First, imagine the worst case scenario and how you feel if it becomes reality. This planning method is called "premortem". Imagine that your decision was terrible and the project failed. Explore all the possible causes of failure, think about how to prevent them. This will save you a lot of problems.

Then visualize the best scenario and evaluate your feelings.

If you are not feeling happy and enthusiastic, it is worth considering the reasons.

This is the method used by Amazon. The developers write a draft of the press release and the FAQ section before writing the code. Thus, the team discusses and solves the most difficult issues in advance and determines the value of the product. If you can't write a compelling press release, it may not be worth working on the product.

3. Do not dwell on extremes, look for the middle

We often get stuck trying to choose between two options. Get additional education or start your own business? Move to another city or stay in your own? And forget that there are a few more options in between. For example, spend part of the year in one settlement, and the second in another. Or live in your city for a couple of years, and then move.

The right choice doesn't have to be between two options. Most often, a flexible solution can be found.

4. Consult with others

This is a good way to gather useful information. For example, if you can't make up your mind to move, seek advice from more than friends and family. They have a personal interest in this matter. It's more important to talk to someone who has already moved. Ask if he is happy with his decision.

When it comes to business matters, hire a consultant. Or find someone with deep knowledge in this area and learn from him.

5. Avoid hidden solutions

By procrastinating and putting off an important decision for later, you still make a choice. Usually not the best.

Let's say you need to fire an employee, but you delay it to avoid an unpleasant scene. If this is an incompetent or toxic person, you harm the whole team with your choice. Remember that postponing a decision is itself a decision with real consequences.