Notes on making decisions
These are the mental models I have gained through reading, connecting the dots, and life experiences that help me spend less time agonizing over decisions. Through these, I have gained new life experiences, stories to tell, and skills that I would have otherwise missed.
Would It Matter in the Short Term?
Back in college, we spent hours deciding unanimously what to eat on a given evening. Hours! If it doesn’t matter in the short term, it’s okay to choose anything. What to wear today? What to eat? Flip a coin.
Not Sure About Something? Keep Doing It Until You Can Decide
Not sure if you want to continue seeing or dating someone? See or date them more to gather more data.
Worst Case vs. Best Case/ Pros vs Cons
This is self-explanatory.
Have a Dollar Value You Are Okay to Lose
A friend suggested I buy Schezwan Sauce. I didn't know what to make with it, but I still bought it. Worst case, I throw it away and lose £3. Best case, I learn new recipes.
Don’t Wait for More Data
Act with minimum data to get started. Improvise and adapt as you gather more information. Otherwise, you’ll never start, or it will be too late. Instead of researching about running, the right stance, duration, shoes, schedule, etc., I just started running. Within a month, I was able to run 2K.
By Default, Say YES!
Ask yourself if you’ve done that thing. If your answer is no, say yes. Don’t think about whether you want to do it. That’s not an option. That’s why I always say yes to friends’ plans if it’s something I’ve never done before.
Seek Discomfort
This is from Yes Theory. Their philosophy is to do things that make you uncomfortable. If something makes you uncomfortable, do it! That’s it. (This one is the most difficult for me, though.)
Most Decisions Are Reversible
There is a cost (in terms of time, money, emotions, health) attached to decisions, and that determines if they are reversible. Most decisions are reversible in nature. This thought takes off the pressure in deciding. (I would put marriages and kids as irreversible decisions.)
Have a Safety Net
It’s easier to make decisions if you have a safety net. Are you confident in your skills and the market conditions, and have an emergency fund for a year? Yes? Then change your job or start that business.
Minimum Regrets in Life
If you will regret it in the future, then just do it.
Embarrass Yourself
Many times, we don’t do something because we think we might make a fool of ourselves in front of others. Don’t be afraid to embarrass yourself. Ask that stupid question in the meeting. I have never been mocked for asking a stupid question. Some of those stupid questions were actually smart ones.
Have a Stop-Loss
When deciding to move to the UK, I decided I would stay (commit) for three years, even if I did not like it. That way, I put a stop loss of three years to try out a new life. Three years for a new life was worth it.
There’s Only One Way to Find Out
Whenever someone says to me, “I don’t know. I have never done/tried it,” my immediate response is, “There’s only one way to find out!” (That immediately lightens up their face.) Unless you do it, you won’t know if that thing is for you.
Exploring vs. Doubling Down
This is the opposite of trying out new things. Sometimes, do the same things to enjoy the familiarity that life needs.
Buying decision (a decision post would be incomplete without one, no?)
Can you afford it
Is it an experience
Do you really need it?
Put it in a cart or wishlist and revist it after two weeks. Do you still need it?
Does it go well with things you already have?
Can you have regrets after buying it?
Do you have space to keep it
Will it bring joy in the medium to long-term
Are you replacing something
Does it impact your finances or financial goals negatively