5 Quick Tips for Better Decisions

Making better decisions doesn't always require complex frameworks. Here are five simple strategies you can implement immediately to improve your choice-making process.

1. Sleep on Important Decisions

Your brain continues processing information while you sleep. For non-urgent decisions, give yourself at least one night to think things over. You'll often wake up with greater clarity and new perspectives you hadn't considered.

When to use: Hiring decisions, major purchases, strategic pivots

2. Use the 10-10-10 Rule

Before making a decision, ask yourself:

How will I feel about this in 10 minutes?
How will I feel about this in 10 months?
How will I feel about this in 10 years?

This simple exercise helps balance short-term emotions with long-term consequences.

3. Consider the Opposite

We naturally focus on why our preferred choice is correct. Force yourself to argue for the opposite position. What evidence supports the alternative? What are you potentially missing?

This technique, called "considering the opposite," is one of the most effective ways to reduce confirmation bias.

4. Set a "Decision Deadline"

Open-ended decisions often drag on indefinitely. Set a clear deadline for when you'll make the choice, then stick to it. This prevents analysis paralysis while ensuring adequate consideration time.

Pro tip: Schedule the decision in your calendar like any other important meeting.

5. Document Your Reasoning

Write down why you made the decision and what you expected to happen. This creates accountability and provides valuable learning material for future choices.

Include:

Key factors you considered
Information you relied on
Expected outcomes
Review date

Bonus: The Regret Minimization Framework

Ask yourself: "When I'm 80 years old, which choice am I more likely to regret not making?"

This perspective helps prioritize authentic values over short-term comfort or convenience.

Remember: Perfect decisions are impossible, but better decisions are always within reach.