Here's Why You Make Terrible Decisions In Life (And How To Change Them)

Did you know that the average person makes around 35,000 decisions every single day?

It’s true.

But not all decisions are created equal.

Some of them can have serious and far-reaching consequences if they go wrong.

Maybe it was something as small as overspending at the store, or something much bigger, like making a career/relationship move that didn’t work out.

No matter the size of the decision, bad decisions can lead to regret and frustration.

To avoid them, it’s important to become aware of our decision-making process and why we make bad decisions in life.

Now, I am not talking about the usual suspects like impulsivity or lack of information. No, no, no. The internet is flooded with those reasons.

In today’s letter, I’m talking about the uncommon reasons. The ones that are not often discussed.

So let’s get started:

You have a nearsightedness vision

Now, I ain’t gonna lie; I’ve been guilty of this one myself. You see a shiny object, a quick fix, and you go for it without thinkin’ about the long-term consequences.

Like that time, I bought a brand new luxury car on a whim without considering the payments I’d have to make for the next five years.

That was a bad move.

And it isn’t just about money. It could be anything — a relationship, a job, a move. Whatever it is, if you’re too focused on the short-term, chances are you’ll make a bad decision.

The key is to step back and think about the long-term effects of your decision.

Here’s my brainstorming calculator:

Step 1: Ask yourself, “What will happen if I make this decision?”

Step 2: Think about the long-term effects. Will it be worth it in 5 years, or will you regret it?

Step 3: Make an informed decision based on your reasonings. The more you reason, the better your decision will be.

Lack of Self-Awareness

We often make decisions based on our emotions rather than logic and reason.

We may be swayed by the opinions of others or our own biases without even realizing it.

To change this, it's important to take a step back and reflect on our decision-making process.

Ask yourself, "Why am I making this decision? What are my motivations? Are there any biases or emotions influencing my decision?"

You think from people’s perspective

No, no, I am not talking about pleasing people with your decision.

I’m talking about when you make a decision based on what other people would do in your situation, which is not always the best move.

You might be thinking, “Well, if John were in my situation, he’d probably say yes to this offer.” But just because it’s what someone else would do doesn’t mean it’s the right move for you.

Just because John might say yes, doesn’t make it the right decision for YOU to make.

You need to reflect and ask yourself if this is really the best thing for you.

Remember, your decision-making process should always be about what is best for you, so don’t let the opinions of others cloud your judgment.

Fear of Failure

Another reason we make terrible decisions is that we're afraid of failure.

We may be afraid of taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones. We may be afraid of the unknown and what the future holds.

But it's so important to remember that failure is not the end. It's a learning experience and an opportunity to grow.

It's important to remind ourselves that failure is not something to be feared but something to be embraced.

Lack of Confidence

A lack of confidence can also lead to poor decision-making. When we don't believe in ourselves, we're more likely to second-guess ourselves and make decisions based on the opinions of others.

To build confidence, start by setting small goals and achieving them, taking risks, and reminding yourself of your successes.

How to Change Your Decision-Making Habits

Practice Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness can help us become more aware of our thoughts and emotions.

It can help us understand how they influence our decisions and how we can make better choices. Mindfulness can be practiced through meditation, journaling, or even taking a walk in nature.

Set Goals

Setting goals can help us focus on what we want to achieve and make decisions that will help us reach them. When we have a clear goal in mind, it's easier to make decisions that align with that goal.

Seek Out Different Perspectives

Seeking out different perspectives can help us understand different viewpoints and make more informed decisions. It's important to remember that we don't always have all the answers and that others may have valuable insights.

Take Action

Finally, it's important to take action.

No action is a bad decision. Always!

No matter how much we reflect and plan, it's only by taking action that we can make progress.

It's important to remember that progress is not always linear, and that we may need to adapt and change course as we go.

Final Thoughts

There’s no such thing as a bad decision.

One decision leads to another and creates a cascading effect.

If at any point you feel your particular decision isn’t working out for you, don’t be afraid to change it.

Take the time to analyze your decision-making process, become aware of why you’re making bad decisions, and take steps to correct them. That’s how you make better choices in life.

After all, if you want to reach success in this world, then being conscious about your decisions is key!

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Thanks for reading, and I hope you found this letter helpful.

If you’ve gained anything from this letter, I have some requests:

1. Follow me on Twitter and Linkedin for more updates: (Clickable Links)

2. Consider sharing this letter on social media with your friends and family.

   AND…and…and!

“PLEASE” do share your views on today’s letter.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other tips on how to change your decision-making habits.

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Lots of love and respect,

Darshak Rana