I'm always curious to know other folks' heuristics for better decision making whether it be "ask questions after action" or top-10 ways this will fail list and throw out the last 5. It helps to understand people in general and general forecasting of decisions
Some of my favorite heuristics / decision algorithms:
- I see flowers at the store. Should I buy some for my $specialPerson ? Yes.
- What will happen if I make this same choice 1,000 days (or more) in a row?
- What I do now is what I always do. (This has two senses. First, it reminds me that I'm primed to act in a certain way now because I have been consistent in doing the same thing in the past — so it helps me remember that I'm a creature of habit, but I can also choose something else, which will take more effort because it's not a habit yet. And second, it reminds me of the foregoing in that making a certain choice now will make it easier to make the same choice later, and will build a habit too. In other words, every choice is part of the habit-building process, and I should strive to live consistently.)
Be aware if some decision is reversible - and if so, go carelessly.
For example: should I go to gyms in the morning or afternoon? Why spend 30 minutes thinking about that, you can just change next week and see what works. I get into these mental traps.
Similarly, many times implementing both options (software) is cheap and you can just test instead of mentally elaborating on what would be better... once its done, its obvious. Also goes for undoing changes with git.
And if you say no, make plans for next time. As a Gen Z I’ve noticed a lot of people my age will always decline, never take initiative in making plans, then wonder why nobody hangs out with them.
I’ve started using what I call the ‘two strikes rule.’ If I make two attempts to invite someone out and they’re declined without reciprocative energy, I give up on maintaining the relationship. Same with conversations. I’m tired of dealing with social vampires.
"When faced with 2 choices, simply toss a coin. It works not because it settles the question for you. But because in that brief moment when the coin is in the air YOU SUDDENLY KNOW WHAT YOUR HOPING FOR."
treetalker|8 months ago
- I see flowers at the store. Should I buy some for my $specialPerson ? Yes.
- What will happen if I make this same choice 1,000 days (or more) in a row?
- What I do now is what I always do. (This has two senses. First, it reminds me that I'm primed to act in a certain way now because I have been consistent in doing the same thing in the past — so it helps me remember that I'm a creature of habit, but I can also choose something else, which will take more effort because it's not a habit yet. And second, it reminds me of the foregoing in that making a certain choice now will make it easier to make the same choice later, and will build a habit too. In other words, every choice is part of the habit-building process, and I should strive to live consistently.)
swah|8 months ago
swah|8 months ago
For example: should I go to gyms in the morning or afternoon? Why spend 30 minutes thinking about that, you can just change next week and see what works. I get into these mental traps.
Similarly, many times implementing both options (software) is cheap and you can just test instead of mentally elaborating on what would be better... once its done, its obvious. Also goes for undoing changes with git.
kratom_sandwich|8 months ago
- Say yes (for activities with friends / colleagues; cf. "The Yes Man" with Jim Carrey)
ottaborra|8 months ago
cedws|8 months ago
I’ve started using what I call the ‘two strikes rule.’ If I make two attempts to invite someone out and they’re declined without reciprocative energy, I give up on maintaining the relationship. Same with conversations. I’m tired of dealing with social vampires.
chistev|8 months ago
MultifokalHirn|8 months ago
ottaborra|8 months ago
swah|8 months ago