This One Easy Strategy Will Lead to Better Decisions - Shaun Stenning

Decisions… decisions… decisions. Every day, we are given the opportunity to make choices, from what to eat for breakfast to whether or not to accept a job offer. Yet sometimes making a decision feels more like a burden than a gift. Do you struggle with decision-making?

According to Shaun Stenning, If so, the "try-on-the-alternatives" strategy might help. At its most basic level, this technique involves pretending you've chosen Option A, and then observing how you feel. Are you calm? Anxious? Proud? Energized? Or maybe sad? Do the same with Option B and even Options C and D if they're in the mix. Your gut reaction may send a strong signal about which option is best for you.

Try on the alternatives and put them side-by-side.

Make a List

Comparing your options may take the form of making a list of the pros and cons of each alternative, knowing that each item — regardless if they fall on the "pro" or "con" side of the ledger — is not equally weighted.

You could have 10 advantages measured against a single disadvantage, but if that single disadvantage carries more punch (emotional or rational) when you "try it on for size," the 10 items on the "pro" side go out the window.

Time It Right

You've had a really bad day at work. Four clients had problems with their orders and one of your co-workers called in sick, leaving you to cover his client load as well.

Keep It in Perspective

You can avoid decision fatigue by making fewer decisions, but also by devoting the appropriate amount of mental energy to each.

So let your brain recharge, and devote the proper mental energy to making a decision when the time is right

"Trying-it-on-for-size" is probably not the most prudent approach for a corporate executive forced to decide which employees to lay off in order to keeps the business afloat.

Do you "try-it-on-for-size" when making a decision? What's your strategy? Decide to share in the comments!