How do we decide objectively?

Deciding objectively is a crucial skill that can help us make better decisions and avoid common pitfalls in decision-making. It's a topic that I explore in Chapter 6 of my book, "The First Decision." In this blog post, I'll delve into the importance of objective decision-making, provide some tips for how to do it, and throw in some subtle examples along the way. Here's hoping it serves you well going forward.

But first, let's start with a quote from one of the masters of decision-making, it goes: "It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are." – Roy Disney

This quote highlights the importance of understanding our own values and priorities when it comes to decision-making. It's easy to get caught up in the details and lose sight of what's truly important to us. By clarifying our values and sticking to them, we can make decisions that are more aligned with our goals and desires.

Now, on to the subject at hand: how do we make objective decisions? One key phrase to keep in mind is "visualise the end, before you begin." (a phrase I actually used in the begining of the chapter to caveat the whole book, to be honest). This simply means taking the time to consider the potential outcomes of our decisions before we take action. It's a way of thinking about the future consequences of our choices and making sure that we're making the best decision for ourselves and in some cases those around us.

There are a few ways we can go about visualising the end before we begin. The key is also to look at the big picture: It's easy to get caught up in the details of a decision and lose sight of the bigger picture. Funny how this can be used in voting as well, isn't it.

By stepping back and considering the long-term consequences of our choices, we can make more informed decisions.

Seek out different perspectives: It's natural to have our own biases and preferences, but seeking out the opinions and insights of others can help us see things from a different angle and make more balanced decisions. We can consider the worst-case scenario: It's not always pleasant to think about, but considering the potential worst-case outcome of a decision can help us weigh the risks and make more informed choices. Then again we must reflect on past experiences: Looking back on decisions we've made in the past can help us understand what worked and what didn't, and use that knowledge to make better decisions in the future.

So, how can we put these tips into practice? Here's a joke to lighten the mood: Why was the math book sad? Because it had too many problems. (Ok,that is pushing it a little but you get the point!! problems are a constant)

But seriously, applying these tips to our decision-making process can help us make more objective choices. For example, let's say you're deciding whether to accept a new job offer. To visualise the end before you begin, you might:

• Look at the big picture: Consider the long-term consequences of accepting the job, such as the potential for career advancement and the potential impact on your personal life.

• Seek out different perspectives: Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about their thoughts on the offer.

• Consider the worst-case scenario: Think about what might go wrong if you accept the job, and how you might cope with those challenges.

• Reflect on past experiences: Think about times when you've made similar decisions and what you learned from those experiences.

By going through this process, you'll be able to consider the various factors that may impact your decision and make an objective choice based on your values and goals.

In conclusion, deciding objectively is a crucial skill that can help us make better decisions and avoid common pitfalls in decision-making. By visualising the end before we begin, we can consider the potential outcomes of our choices and make informed decisions that align with our values and goals. Again, this can be used when picking leaders, as voting is more or less a personified visual representation of an objective decision made by many.

"For those who are interested in reading or listening more about the topic discussed in this blog post, I highly recommend checking out 'The First Decision' , by, yes, myself, Solomon Aletor on Amazon or Audible, use this link (listen to the first decision). In it, I go into further details on the subject matter and provide valuable insights and perspectives into deciding-objectively from a personal point of view.

So basically we can conclude by creating a clear understanding of what needs to be achieved and focusing on the “why” it needs to be achieved, that way we somewhat narrow our confusions and become more prolific with our decisions. Obviously using the first decision as a tool.