In both my personal life and professional endeavors, the choices I make on a daily basis shape the course of my journey. For the longest time, I lacked a systematic approach to aid in decision-making. I used to consult close friends and colleagues whenever I faced weighty decisions, relying on their insights to guide my choices.

A more effective and structured framework has emerged - one that I’ve found invaluable for navigating the complexities of decision-making. It involves evaluating a set of options and selecting the best course of action based on a thoughtful process.

Understanding My Inclinations

Taking a step back to assess my initial inclinations is a critical starting point. This introspection helps me to identify my biases and beliefs, which often influence my perspectives on a given matter.

I have a natural inclination to be risk-averse, coupled with a tendency to swiftly initiate solutions when opportunities arise. This proactive mindset has earned me the reputation of a “get it done” individual. My work consistently remains up-to-date, frequently exceeding my original goals.

Yet, this approach comes with its own set of drawbacks. Occasionally, my eagerness to implement solutions can lead to unnecessary costs or, in some cases, result in work that goes to waste.

Consider these examples that illustrate these complexities:

  • Code Refactors: Once, I developed a golang library to execute a graph of interconnected resources. As soon as the library started functioning, I encouraged my team to integrate it into their workflows. After a few days, it became evident that much of the code they had written could have been streamlined within my library. This realization prompted me to request another code revision, a process that was time-consuming and, at times, frustrating. In hindsight, I could have exercised patience, refining the library further before urging my team to adopt it. This approach would have mitigated the need for a costly and laborious code rewrite.

  • Home Improvements: During a home renovation project involving window replacements, I noticed that some windows were missing seals. I promptly requested the contractor to address this issue as well. In this scenario, the additional effort proved beneficial. It not only enhanced the condition of the remaining windows by sealing them properly but also ensured the longevity of the sealing work.

Scrutinizing the Foundation of Beliefs

Examining the underlying reasons behind my beliefs sheds light on their validity:

  • Shared Information Fallacy: It’s easy to assume that everyone possesses the same information and would come to similar conclusions. However, this is rarely the case as diverse perspectives lead to diverse interpretations.

  • The Power of Abstraction: While abstract information serves as a useful starting point, it’s merely a foundation. Complete comprehension requires delving deeper into the complexities of the subject matter.

  • Navigating Expert Opinion: Relying blindly on expert opinions is challenging due to the difficulty in identifying true experts and motivating them to provide genuine insights.

  • The Illusion of Easily Accessible Information: Meaningful information is often elusive, especially when dealing with intricate issues that defy easy comprehension.

  • Small changes are easier: I often find myself favoring the incorporation of new solutions within the confines of the current system. While this approach simplifies the integration of novel ideas, it can also result in perpetuating practices that have ceased to be beneficial.

Aspiring for Desired Outcomes

I am driven by the desire for favorable and harmonious outcomes, a goal that often proves elusive due to the multifaceted nature of decision-making.

Exploring the Alternative Scenario

Fully immersing myself in the intricacies of the situation often uncovers hidden complexities, strong emotional undertones, and a multitude of options to consider.

An essential lesson I’ve learned is that introducing new workarounds is easy but leads to complexity and brittleness. Rectifying erroneous actions on the other hand is far more intricate but it leads to overall simplicity, higher productivity, and better scale.

In conclusion, embracing a structured decision-making approach empowers me to make more informed choices. By recognizing my biases, evaluating my beliefs, and considering alternative perspectives, I navigate the intricate terrain of decisions with greater clarity and effectiveness.