Decisions suck. Making them is even worse. And the postdecision remorse? We know. An expert on the decisionmaking process is here to help
• IF YOU’VE EVER GONE TO BED WONDERING how you flubbed so many of that day’s small choices – how did I possibly think two Steers burgers was a good idea for lunch? – then you might reasonably ask how on earth you could be expected to make the grander, more difficult decisions that determine the course of your life: which career should I pursue? Who should I marry? Is that house worth buying? This already unnerving proposition is made even more so when you consider that, according to Ruth Chang, most of us have been approaching hard decisions the wrong way our entire lives.
A philosophy professor at Rutgers, she has intensively studied the decision-making process, using insights from that research on the TED Talk stage and in lectures to the CIA, US Navy, and the World Bank.
And what, exactly, is the major malfunction Chang has found when it comes to making a choice?
It starts with numbers, and our insistence on placing any two things into a quantitative framework. Since any two items with a numerical value can be compared easily, we’re conditioned to believe this applies to qualitative choices, too. When weighing the merits of, say, getting a job straight out of university or completing postgraduate studies, we believe one alternative is definitely better than the other.
This assumption is a mistake, says Chang. And because it’s a mistake, we think about decisions all wrong. We think that a decision is an information problem. When we can’t decide between two options, it’s because we don’t have the info needed to make the best decision possible. If we could just gather enough information, we could be sure (or surer) we’re making the ‘right’ choice. But so often even after we’ve talked to all the right people, asked all the right questions, and gathered all the necessary info, we still can’t decide.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 2019 من GQ South Africa.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 2019 من GQ South Africa.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
I am Legend
For 40 years, Toyota has produced an iconic 4x4. In 2024 it's received a subtle, rejuvenating facelift - and more. The Land Cruiser 76 is made for Africa.
Alternative Investments
We take a look at how alternative investments offer a diverse range of opportunities beyond the traditional, with a particular focus on venture capital
THE HEART OF A CHAMPION
AYABONGA KHAKA IS A RIGHT-ARM medium bowler for South Africa's national cricket team, and earned a national contract with Cricket South Africa in 2018.
THE DEFENDER OF HOUSE
From his debut album Golden Power to the recent hit \"Yes God\", Oscar Mbo is still the king of deep house music. Apart from consistently energising groovists with his beats, he also stands out as the country's most stylish DJ - and a savvy businessman
GOLDEN BOY
With top-charting hits such as \"Adiwele\", \"Sete\" and \"Imithandazo\", Young Stunna is the face of amapiano, and a rising icon. In a remarkably short time, he's carved out his path in the music industry and stands poised to conquer the world
Fierce, Fearless and Flourishing
THESE FIVE REMARKABLE WOMEN LEADING WITH COURAGE, DETERMINATION, AND LIMITLESS AMBITION ARE REDEFINING SUCCESS IN THEIR OWN TERMS
DAMIAN WILLEMSE HUMBLE STAR OF SA RUGBY
He's renowned for his skill and versatility - but the legacy of Damian Willemse is built on inspiring others, both on and off the field
The Visionary Curator: Jana Terblanche's Journey in the Art World
Poetic and political this ambitious yet principled art curator challenges the traditional and champions African voices
Non-invasive Cosmetic Treatments Guide
From advanced laser therapies to cutting-edge injectables, these innovative procedures offer effective solutions for smoothing wrinkles, enhancing skin tone, and contouring the body
Lelowhatsgood The Maverick DJ Disrupting Africa's Cultural Landscape
“Demon’s Kiss” put him on the map but there’s more to this Renaissance man than just hit singles.