How to make good decisions quickly
May 17, 2017
By Brian Maynor
Did you know decision making was a skill?
Probably not, because no one ever really teaches us how to make decisions. We are simply expected to learn through trial and error, which is reasonable given the number of decisions we make every day, but not the best approach.
The proven way to feel confident in our ability to make good decisions quickly is to learn how to think critically, i.e. thinking in a clear, rational, emotionless and open-minded way that uses evidence to reach a decision.
Critical thinking is the key, because making good decisions quickly requires us to think quickly and analytically. Here are three ways it will boost our decision-making powers:
1. Prioritizing properly. Knowing which decisions to make first is always important, not just in those moments when we’re under a time restraint, but our brains tend to lead us towards the easy, comfortable decisions first. Those are rarely the most important ones. Improving our critical thinking skills can change this behavior.
Think about all the decision you have to make in a day, if you’re more of a visual person write out a list, and then order them based on their importance, not the easiest to the hardest.
2. Create some mental space. When we think about all the news, gossip and information constantly streaming into to brains, it’s not surprising that most of us feel our minds are cluttered, and a cluttered mind cannot make a good decision quickly. Critical thinking requires space to process information and possible outcomes and time, whether that’s a few seconds or a few days.
Whether it’s a walk in the park, a long bath or just focusing on something else for a few minutes, we are giving our brains time and space to work so we can reach a decision.
3. Shake up the way we think. There is a time and place to rely on a routine, but this is not one of them. Much of our mental process is subconscious, but we tend to engage in the conscious process the same way every time. Think about how you approach a decision, and you can easily identify your process.
Critical thinking requires us to break out of these routines and develop a flexible, open-minded approach to making decisions. That means finding new, fresh and inspired answers by letting your mind be creative and free from its normal patterns. At first, you may have to give yourself permission to do this, and be very conscious of how you’re thinking.
When we are experiencing stress, anxiety or pressure our brain is wired to put our safety first, meaning we are inclined to make decisions that are safe or will likely keep us safe. Although those decisions are not always the best decisions. Training our minds to make good decisions quickly is essential if we want to grow and strive to fulfill our potential, because that will never happen if we only play it safe.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
