Years ago, when my book "The Simplicity Primer" was released, I always joked that the whole simplicity movement could be reduced to three words: Make good choices. I stand by that conclusion.
I mean, think it through. How many of our regrets stem from poor choices we made at the time? We make dozens of choices every single day, ranging from the minor ("What should I have for lunch?") to the major ("I think I can make it through this intersection before the light turns red...").
With that in mind, I just read something that makes perfect sense:
"The 10-10-10 Rule can help you make tough decisions. When faced with a choice, ask: How will I feel about this in 10 minutes? 10 months? 10 years? You weigh short-term stress against long-term impact. This approach helps you clarify what matters most."
Interesting approach. Very sensible.
Yet despite the benefits from making good decisions, people are in/famous for making bad ones. Why?
Scientists are examining this issue, trying to figure out why people make irrational or downright stupid decisions. At this point, the bottom line is nobody knows. There are competing factors (upbringing, environment, health, impulse control, diet, etc.) that play a part, but no one can determine anything specific.
Whatever scientists find out, it's unlikely to make a difference on individual actions.We're flawed human beings, and as such we will always make poor choices and decisions, and have lots of regrets.
Still, the 10-10-10 rule makes perfect sense. Let's all try applying it. Bottom line, Make good choices. Don't run that yellow light.
Good thought-provoking article.
ReplyDeleteHere’s my 15¢ worth (Hyper-Inflation ya know).
People put a LOT of emotion into their decisions
The emotion of sight, ohhh that looks so pretty, I need that because….
Ohhh that smells so nice I need that perfume to make me smell better.
Ohhh that’s so soft, I can’t wait to cuddle on the couch with that blanket around me.
Ohhh that car will make me look so cool driving it.
Ohhh that House is so nice I must have it to live in.
Ohhh I like the sounds of his/her voice I must be with them.
So many decisions are made simply on the ‘Emotion’ of how something will make me feel regardless of cost, consequences, emotional crash when they find it was a very bad decision. WITHOUT the slightest account on the actual logic of what the decision really means to oneself OR others.
Ever been trying to lose weight and eat 5 candy bars? Bad decision, but all based on emotional “need” for that Sweet Fix.
Running that Yellow Light, think about it, an Emotion to get ahead of someone, not having to wait for 2 minutes for the light to turn green, or back to the point of when you left, waiting too long before leaving.
Truly, folks seem to lose all Logic when making decisions.
Hence, I agree with the 10-10-10, but I would add, add one day to most decisions, when you’re making a decision, especially HUGE decisions, decide exactly what to do, THEN wait another day then examine your decision and see if you come up with the same results.
Let’s face it, you already have 15 bottles of Perfume, do you really need another? Do you really need to spend $80,000 on a new car? Buy a 4000 SqFt house? How about that new horse, you already have 4 of them, and only 2 of you?
STOP and think on your decisions, before acting on them.
BTW, that decision of “What to have for lunch” is NOT a minor decision HAHAHA