Decision Heuristics To Help You Make Better Decisions
Rules of thumb for when you have difficulty choosing between options
Decision heuristics are quick and dirty rules anyone can use to make better decisions, but as you know, decision-making is complex. I certainly don’t recommend any of these for major or difficult decisions, but if you truly can’t decide among different good options, these rules may help.
When you don’t know what you want, focus on what you want to be
For example, you might not be sure what you want to order at a restaurant, but if you want to be a healthy and active individual, you will know not to order those deep-fried items (except chicken, always order the deep-fried chicken — just kidding).
If you don’t know if something will make you happy, ask if it will expand or diminish your life
Will getting the TV make you happy or will putting it in an investment account make you happy? Getting a TV might mean being better able to entertain guests or more video games with your spouse, and if that’s the case, go right ahead (i.e., expanding your life).
