To explain how to be in better decision making, let us first look at Dark, a German time-travel science-fiction drama on Netflix. The show dips in an out of multiple timelines, showing characters interact with different versions of themselves and their loved ones. The characters are constantly making decisions with massive consequences in the present day and in all other timelines. There’s one quote that stands out the most. One of the main characters, Jonas, is speaking to Marta:
“Why do we say that?” “To have time.” “How can you have time when it clearly has you?”
Time does control us – we’re simply along for the ride. But that doesn’t mean our journey is without aim. When making better decisions, utilizing your time is perhaps your most effective tool.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Role of Time
Learning from the show Dark
As seen in the Netflix show Dark, time is a tricky concept that controls our lives in complex ways. But we can still aim to make the most of the time we have when facing important decisions.
Rushed decisions lead to regret
Think of a time when you made a decision you regretted. Chances are, that decision was rushed. The more you rush crucial choices, the more likely you are to make a potentially costly error. The cruel reality is once you’ve made the rash decision, you’ll have all the time in the world to think about what you could’ve done differently.
Utilizing time is key
However, it doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom. Understanding time’s place in your decision-making process is vital to becoming a better decision-maker. As seen in Dark, the time we have may not be as clear-cut as you might think, so working with it is the only option.
Other Benefits of Good Decision Making
Making better decisions doesn’t just help you manage time more effectively. It also leads to:
Saves time
On a smaller, less consequential scale, say you decide to ignore a sat-nav and take your own route. Not long after, you realise you’ve gone wrong, and spend an extra 30 minutes finding your way back. It’s little bits and bobs of time that, when wasted, can eat into a day and present ugly feelings of wastefulness and failure. The more time you save, the more options and flexibility you have.
Shows personal growth
In a broader sense, being able to make good decisions is a sign you’re learning from past errors, a critical aspect of personal development.
Improves work-life balance
Then there are the benefits in your work-life balance, as high job satisfaction levels ultimately lead to greater life satisfaction altogether. That may mean securing a better salary, or perhaps being regarded as a leader. Leaders, after all, must be decisive decision makers.
Strategies to Improve Decision Making
So how can you actually get better at making decisions? Here are some effective strategies:
Understand the power of silence
Moments of silence, particularly in the Western world, are feared. You’ll find that people – strangers, even – will overshare information about their lives just to fill the space. That’s the first error when trying to become a better decision-maker. Take Chinese negotiators, for example. When negotiating with Americans, research has found that the Chinese were more comfortable sitting in silence, making it more likely for them to secure the deal they wanted. It’s a good lesson, as silence can be your best friend when used correctly.
Give yourself post-decision space
Of course, there will be plenty of times when you need to make a snap decision. You won’t have time at that moment, but your work toward your quest for better decisions will serve you. Becoming a good decision-maker is all about learning from your mistakes. That will never happen if you don’t allocate time to reflect on them.
Understand your mental heuristics
Put simply, a mental heuristic is a shortcut used to solve problems quickly and effectively. Unfortunately, this can lead to cognitive biases. For example, reading about selfish behaviour may make it easier to find selfishness in the people around you, perhaps to a fault. This is why it’s essential to understand which heuristics to use.
Figure out what you don’t know
Let’s put one thing straight: you don’t know what you don’t know. So how can you ever know you’re making the best decision possible if you don’t know your weaknesses? By figuring out what you don’t know, you can only figure out what needs fixing.
Know your values
Ultimately, your values are the umbrella all of your decisions fall under. By knowing them, you can align your decisions accordingly. As we live in a world requiring quicker decisions, knowing the direction you want to take your thoughts and decisions is a useful tool.
Conclusion
Making better decisions takes time
Of course, learning to make better decisions doesn’t happen instantly. It’s a skill that takes time, as we discussed at the start. All of these tips have that in common. Sure, you can watch this video and note them, but they’re useless without proper time to work.
Time is your most valuable asset
At the end of the day, if you ensure you’re putting time aside to notice and understand your flaws, then learning to overcome them will be the next inevitable step. After all, time won’t wait for you, so it’s time to become its ally.
FAQs:
How long does it take to become a better decision maker?
There is no set timeframe – it depends on the individual and requires ongoing practice over time. Be patient with yourself as you build this important skill.
What is one key tip for making decisions?
Take your time and don’t rush important choices. Give yourself space to thoroughly think through all aspects before committing.
How can I know what my values are?
Try free-writing or brainstorming everything that is important to you in life. Over time, common themes will emerge that point to your core values.
Is it better to go with your gut or carefully analyze decisions?
It depends on the type of decision. For small daily choices, going with your intuition can work well. But for major life decisions, taking time to gather info and weigh the pros and cons leads to better outcomes.
How do I stop fixating on past bad decisions?
Remember that even good decision makers make some poor choices. Try to frame past mistakes as learning experiences. Focus on what you would do differently next time. Be compassionate with yourself.