How to be decisive?

TRPdating · 2015-11-06T21:44:17+00:00

This is what's called a cost/benefit analysis. You're already weighing the pros and cons, but that is only 10% of it. The other 90% of it is accepting risk, taking action, and applying yourself long-term to see results.

I'm pulling those percentages out of my ass, but my point is that most people can weigh the benefits and consequences of an action just fine. The issue is they stay stuck in the decision process, and never take action. As a result, they get too fat, too old, too injured, too bald, too "whatever" to achieve their goal.

walking_ape · 2015-11-07T07:48:29+00:00

Make it a habit to make small decisions all the time. For example, you've been wanting to buy something you need for a few days now (something simple, like say a new bottle of shampoo), but never had the chance or never found the time. If you find yourself in any situation like this, it's probably because you never made a decision to "just fucking go grab it now".

I find it helps to actually write a list of what I'll do today right after I wake up. No details, just head-lines.

That should help frame your mind around making decisions.

SunnyFoxes · 2015-11-06T22:18:37+00:00

One very important idea is to have firm life goals;

Then ask, does this choice add/aid or subtract/hinder your life goals?
Is this decision going to matter afterwards?
Is it fixable if you make a mistake? (It takes two seconds to do this, don't belabour it!)

Most your decisions are not important... face it, no one cares, just make a choice already and stick with it. (Unless very compelling logical evidence proves that the another choice is better, then change your mind, if it is not too late. You will rarely need to do this.)

Some of your decisions are important; for these, plan carefully.

1) Set a time limit to make your decision (This is very important and I think what you are not doing.)
2) Gather and sort information. Google is your friend. Ask for advice from experts.
3) Do a pro/con list or a cost/benefit analysis for each option. (Sometimes a more extensive thinking/problem solving paradigm is needed.)
4) Eliminate all options that are not suitable.
5) Choose the best option for you from those not eliminated. If two options appear equally valid choose the simpler one (Occam's Razor).
6) Only then, do you inform people what your decision is, before that tell them that you are still thinking about it and will come back to them after a decision is made (and tell them when). Then sell the idea/decision to them, if necessary. (You don't want to appear indecisive/beta.)

Be careful of sales people, they want you to make decisions (to buy) while emotionally engaged, preventing you from thinking it through properly. If someone is trying to sell you something with emotional manipulation, walk away immediately because what they are selling is not worth buying unless it makes logical sense as well - like, will add value to your life/business etc.

Not making a choice is always a choice. You are choosing not to make choices, which prevents action. An adequate plan/action is better than a perfect plan/action that is too late, and also better than no plan/action.

Remember to re-evaluate your decisions after they have being implemented. This will help you make better decisions in the future, and be more confident about them. Did the decision achieve the intended goals? If yes, congratulate yourself. If no, find out what went wrong and how it can be prevented in future and/or fixed now.

Most problems that you will face have already been solved by someone else. Look up the answers others already have worked out and improve on them, if needed.

fakefalse · 2015-11-07T00:27:21+00:00

I'm an artist. It's a strong part of me. One of the greatest things I've learned through my projects is to do it. Just do it LeBoeuf style.

I'll get to a point where I'm indecisive. Or when it's so awesome and I've put so much work into it, that the next move could ruin it. So I'll hesitate. But it's got to be done. There are millions of ways to do the next move. But which one? Oh it hurts. But it's the most awesome feeling in the world. Even if it fucks up, cause you learned something for next time or aren't attempt #2. Plus you'll gain confidence.

Trust your subconscious. It will guide you like a Jedi uses the force. No bullshit. You just have to keep moving forward.

Title	How to be decisive?
Author	refusewool
Upvotes	4
Comments	4
Date	November 6, 2015 8:10 PM UTC (10 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/3rszh7/how_to_be_decisive/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/how-to-be-decisive.156214 https://theredarchive.com/post/156214

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