Decision Making

by Flinkliv · Updated July. 16, 2023

  1. Why do we need to learn decision-making?
  2. What is decision-making?
  3. 5 Steps of decision-making
  4. Examples of decision making
  5. Pareto Principle
  6. Cluttered spaces
  7. Be your own hero
  8. Decision fatigue
  9. Execution vs planning
  10. Decision paralysis
  11. False hope syndrome
  12. Habits shape your future
  13. Akrasia Effect
  14. Inspiration and Transpiration
  15. Embrace failures
  16. Time perception
  17. Repetitive issues
  18. Ask what
  19. Use a calendar
  20. Motivation vs discipline
  21. Information overload
  22. Overplanning
  23. Do not give up
  24. Avoid useless strategies


We make small and big decisions every day, such as which food to eat, the program to watch, the carrier to choose, etc. Basically, the quality of our lives depends on the quality of our decision-making.

Conversation between A and B about decision-making. B: The quality of our lives depends on the quality of our decision-making

Decision-making is a process that anyone can master. The process increases your chances to choose a good option among a range of options.

Conversation between A and B about decision-making. B: Decision making is a skill that anyone can learn

5 Steps of decision-making

Decision-making is a skill that anyone can learn and master.

Conversation between A and B about decision-making. B: Decision making is a skill not a gift, talent, or some special ability

There are many decisions making processes depending on the situation and circumstances; however, there are five main building blocks for any decision making:

  1. Define the result or the outcome
  2. Describe any limitations, boundaries, or restrictions
  3. List the range of options
  4. Set a decision-making deadline
  5. Define the stakeholders


Decision-making steps:

Decision-making is a skill with five main steps: describing the outcome, setting the limitations or boundaries, list all the options, setting a deadline, and defining the stakeholders.

Conversation between A and B about decision steps. A: I am bad at making decisions B: It is ok, just learn how to make better decisions A: How? B: Decision-making is a skill that anyone can master B:Just define your outcome, the limitations, all the options, deadline, and the stakeholders B: One more thing. Be sure not to miss any step to get a better result

Example of decision making outcomes:

It is critical to define clear outcomes for decision-making without any biases, restrictions, or assumptions.

Conversation between A and B about the outcome in decision making. A: We are not producing enough A: How to hire more people to reach our goals? B: Maybe the outcome should be just how to reach our production goals B: And our options could be hiring people, make the actual stuff efficient, buy new machines, etc

Example of decision making constraints:

Be sure to define any limitations or boundaries to narrow down your list of options.

Conversation between A and B about decision making constraints. A: I would like to buy a new car B: Nice A: But, I have a hard time deciding. B: How about some criteria to narrow down the choices? A: What do you mean? B: Well, define your maximum budget, electric or petrol, SUV or sedan B: Always use criteria to help make decisions

Pareto Principle:

The Pareto Principle is that 80 percent of a benefit comes from 20 percent of the effort. Use Pareto Principle to make effective decisions.

Conversation between A and B about Pareto Principle. A: I’m not efficient B: Use Pareto Principle B: The ultimate cheat code. B: Focus on the 20% that brings you 80% of the damn results.

Cluttered spaces:

Cluttered spaces can have negative effects on our cognition and decision-making. Be sure to regularly clean your environment, rather than letting things pile up.

A conversation between A and B about cluttered spaces. A: I am not able to make a decision B: Clean your desk. B: Cluttered spaces can have adverse effects on our cognition and decision-making. B: Chaos depletes our cognitive resources and reduces our ability to focus. A: Nah, I am just a creative person.

Be your own hero:

A hero makes decisions and chooses what to do and where to go. Be your own hero and make your own decisions.

A conversation between A and B about being your own hero A: I need a miracle or a hero B: Nobody is going to save you, be your own hero A: Yeah, SuperTired

Example of decision fatigue:

Decision fatigue is a serious issue. The more decisions you make, the more difficult it can become to make good decisions.

Conversation between A and B about decision fatigue. A:I am unable to make good decisions after this long day. B:This is decision fatigue. B:Throughout the day, Your decision quality decreases as the decision quantity increases. B:Some effects are impulsive behaviour, irrational buying. A:Let’s buy more bitcoin.

Example of execution vs planning:

Execution is a crucial element of planning.
Planning is the process of selecting a course of action, whereas decision-making is selecting a course of action from the alternatives.

Conversation between A and B about execution vs planning. A:I never get things done despite my planning. B: Focus on execution. B: A great plan is only as good as its execution. A: Sounds like a plan.

Example of decision paralysis:

Decision paralysis is an inability to decide due to over-thinking or overwhelming options and choices. Decision paralysis is a real issue as it exhausts and depletes the decision-maker.

Conversation between A and B about decision paralysis. A: I am unable to make any decision with so many options and choices. B: Decision paralysis. B: The more options you have, the harder it becomes to make decisions.

Example of false hope syndrome:

Overcome the false hope syndrome by making the right decisions and realistic goals and plans.

Conversation between A and B to overcome the false hope syndrome. B: What's up? A: Writing New Year's resolution. A: This year will be different, I promise. B: Be aware of the false hope syndrome. Only 8% of people keep their resolutions. B:Be realistic, plan, stick to it, and track your progress. A:I will be among the 8%. No doubt about it.

Habits shape your future:

You don’t shape your future, you choose your habits, and they shape your future. So select your habits wisely.

Conversation between A and B that habits shape the future. A: I want to shape my future. B: Your habits shape it. B: Either buildin' it up or tearin' it down B: You gotta choose 'em wisely.

Example of Akrasia Effect:

Akrasia is the state of acting against your better judgment.

Conversation between A and B about the Akrasia Effect. A:I never follow my goals or plans B:Yeah, Akrasia Effect A:What? B:Akrasia Effect is procrastination or lack of self-control. B:I advise you to find ways to fight it. A:Thx, I will plan that tomorrow.

Inspiration and Transpiration:

Make decisions and move forwards, don't waste time wandering around, as success is 5% inspiration and 95% transpiration.

Conversation between A and B about Inspiration and Transpiration. A: I need some sort of inspiration to make good decisions and succeed. B: Success is 5% inspiration and 95% transpiration. B: so get your act together.

Embrace failures:

You might make mistakes when you make a decision; just embrace them, learn your lessons, and never give up.

conversation between A and B to learn from failure. A: I failed so many times in my life. B: Failures are parts of life. Learn from them.

Time perception:

Many factors influence our perception of time, such as our behaviors, judgments, and activities during that particular period of time. Be wise in making decisions to get the best out of your time.

Conversation between A and B about time perception. A: Why do weekends feel so fast? B: Because you do the same things A: What? B: Plan your weekend, as time seems to slow down when you are exposed to new places and experiences.

Repetitive issues:

Be sure to take the time and make a decision to address the repetitive issues. Repetitive issues are a time-waster; you can reduce their impact by setting up a system to automate, prevent, delegate, etc.

Conversation between A and B about adressing repetitive issues. A: I spend too much time on the same issues. B: Create a system. B: You can automate, prevent, delegate, etc. B: Repetitive issues are a time-waster. A: Thx, but I don't have time for that.

Ask what:

Sometimes, asking what instead of why could improve your decision-making process since what is more future-focused (next steps, options, etc).

Conversation between A and B about asking what instead of why. A: Why do I make bad decisions? B: Ask what instead B: Sometimes why leads to negative outcomes: cuz my stupidity, shortcoming, ... B: Where What leads to options: what to do next? What are my options, ... B: No one makes good decisions all the time A: Why?

Use a calendar instead of To-Do list:

Fight procrastination with a calendar to lock dates and time slots to execute tasks and complete projects.

Conversation between A and B about using a calendar instead of To-Do list. A: Nothing is done despite my To-Do list B: Use a calendar B: Lock a time slot for each task and do it B: A To-Do list is good for gathering tasks. A: Let me add a new post … Use a calendar B: Oh boy!

Motivation vs discipline

Fight procrastination with a calendar to lock dates and time slots to execute tasks and complete projects.

Conversation between A and B about motivation vs discipline. A: I was motivated, but not now B: you need discipline B: Motivation helps you start, and discipline keeps you going.

Information overload:

Information overload is a serious state that diminishes your ability to make decisions. Information overload happens when you get confronted with overwhelming data or information.

Conversation between A and B about information overload. A: I was motivated, but not now B: you need discipline B: Motivation helps you start, and discipline keeps you going.

Overplanning:

Overplanning is a trap; keep in mind that nothing will ever be perfect since you have little control over most outcomes. An ok plan with execution is better than a perfect plan with no execution.

Conversation between A and B about overplanning A: I will never finish this plan. B: Stop overplanning and start doing. A: You forget to add pre & post-plan.

Don't give up:

Giving up can be tempting when faced with challenges and obstacles, but it's important to remember that perseverance pays off in the long run. Your future self will thank you for not giving up on your dreams and goals, even when the journey gets tough. No matter how small, every step forward brings you closer to your destination. Believe in yourself, trust the process, and keep pushing forward. The sacrifices and hardships you endure today will lead to a brighter and more fulfilling future. So never give up; your future self will appreciate the determination and resilience you showed along the way.

Conversation between A and B about never give up. A: This is very hard. B: Don't give up. B: Your future self will thank you.

Avoid useless strategies

Avoiding useless strategies while acknowledging the importance of identifying helpful ones is wise. It is also important to be mindful of the successful outcomes of ineffective processes.

Conversation between A and B about how the importance to avoid useless strategies A: Alright, listen up folks! A: Avoid useless strategies A: Don't ignore helpful ones, A: and spot good outcomes driven by bad processes. A: It's not rocket science, right?