Two Ways to Make the Right Decision

by Emily (follow)

choice (33)      advice (22)     

We all have different ways of making decisions. Some seek advice, some ponder for days, others make snap decisions based on gut instinct.

Is there a right way? Perhaps not. But there are better ways - thinking tools that have been developed to help us refine our beliefs and choices.

When I am faced with a choice, I can usually find the answer by asking myself two questions, both of which magnify the situation in order to examine it.



Question One: If everyone did it, what kind of world would we live in?

Let's take the example of throwing your litter on the ground - should you do it?This stops us from thinking that we are different or that the activity is a one-off. I know that not everyone throws their litter on the ground. In fact, the vast majority of people do not. So if I do, just once, is it wrong? It's only once....it's only a little bit... but by applying this question I know my answer. If everyone did it, we would live in an ugly, unsanitary world. And that's not the kind of world I want to live in.


Question Two: If I did this every day for the rest of my life, what kind of life would I have?

For this question, let's take the example of eating a family-sized block of chocolate. Should I do it? What if I only do it once - that's ok, right? Question two does not let us indulge in such excuses. If I were to eat a family sized block of chocolate every day, I know I would have an uncomfortable, unhealthy, and potentially quite short life. I now know my answer.



I realise these questions ask you to take what could be a complicated choice and make it black and white. We all deserve indulgences and mistakes - as humans it is not in our nature to be perfect. However, if you are looking for a way of seeing an old problem in a new light, just ask yourself these two questions.

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