In life, choices are given, decisions are made and lessons are learned. Below are some tips you may want to follow when you are facing too many choices and need to make a good decision:
1. Have a clear mind before everything else.
2. Know what you really want and always think about this utilitarian thought, "the greatest good for the greatest number." According to an email message forwarded by a friend, try to toss a coin not because it settles the question for you but while the coin is in the air, you suddenly know what you're hoping for.
3. List the problems or situations you have at hand. If necessary, write also the possible consequences of each situation.
4. Do not make a decision if you're quiet emotional at the moment.
5. It is fine to ask opinions from your friends or love ones but do not just go with the flow. You still have to make your own decision.
6. Weigh costs against benefits
Common advice but actually quite tricky to do. Research shows that our minds prefer to consider either costs or benefits; taking both into account takes considerable effort. Professor Marcus points out that one factor we often forget is the 'opportunity cost': when we do one thing, we can't be doing something else. When I watch TV the benefit might be relaxation and enjoyment but the cost is that I can't be reading that mind-improving book that's being lying around for weeks.
7. Imagine your decision will be spot-checked
When we think someone will check up on us we make more cognitive effort, leading to better decision-making. Even if no-one is checking up on you, imagine their reaction if they did: would you be proud of your decision?
8. Distance yourself
When making decisions we are influenced by whatever thoughts and emotions are swirling around in our heads at that moment. Help distance yourself by thinking about how this decision will affect you in the future. Big decisions are always better made after a night's sleep. Again, it's common advice but it can be surprisingly difficult to distance yourself.
9. Beware the vivid, personal and anecdotal
It's so easy for us to be swayed by vivid or personal stories that we may ignore more considered, scientific evidence. Remember that our minds are naturally fascinated and influenced by the sensational at the cost of quotidian. Look carefully at the information source - are you being manipulated?
