Fear is often a main motivator in our decision-making. It’s useful for short-term choices, such as whether to “fight or run away,” And the part of the brain (the lizard brain) that makes those decisions, is always leaning towards negativity and fear.
While the claim that the lizard brain serves as our fear centre is shaky, researchers have figured out that humans have a negativity bias , which means we react more strongly to negative or unpleasant stimuli.
“We’re conditioned to make decisions based on fear,” This is a bad way to make long-term and sustainable decisions.
5 steps for better decision making:
Step 1: Identify Your Goal.
One of the most effective decision-making strategies is to keep an eye on your goal. Why does this problem need to be solved? Identifying the purpose of your decision and the rationale behind why this problem that needs to be resolved.
When you know the reasons why you are making a decision; you will be resolved in staying with it, and defending it.
Step 2: Gather Information for Weighing Your Options.
When making good decisions it is best to gather the necessary information that is directly related to the problem. Doing this will help you better understand what needs doing. This will also help you to generate ideas for a possible solution.
Its a good idea to also make a list of all your possible options for a solution. Even ones that may initially sound silly or seem unrealistic. Always seek the opinions of people that you trust or speak to experts and professionals, because it will help you to come up with a variety of solutions when weighing all your options for a final decision.
Step 3: Consider the Consequences
This step can be just as important as step one because it will help you determine how your final decision will impact you, and/or others involved. In this step, ask yourself what will be the likely result of your decision. How will it affect you now and your future?
This step allows you to review the pros and cons of the different options that you listed in the previous step. It is also important because you want to feel comfortable with all your options and the possible outcome of whichever one you choose.
Step 4: Make Your Decision
Now that you have identified your goal gathered all necessary information, and weighed the options its time to make a decisive choice and execute. This step can cause some people much anxiety, so this is where you have to trust your instincts and go for it.
Although you may still be slightly indecisive about your final decision, you have to take into account how this makes you feel. Be-honest, ask yourself, does it feel right? If any doubt – stay out, otherwise just feel good and do it.
Many great minds such as Edison were not afraid to make hundreds of mistakes before the big pay off. If these great minds have achieved so much more than we ever could, why wouldn’t we follow their lead.
Step 5: Evaluate Your Decision
Once you have made your final decision put it into action, it is necessary to evaluate the decision and the steps you have taken to ensure that it works. This probably the most important step and will further enhance your skills in making good decisions.
Artificial Intelligence for Life 