For many, making a decision is one of the hardest challenges presented by life. It need not be. The very fact we are faced with decisions emphasizes our very special gift of free will. Without free will we would be mere automata, biological machines going through the motions. Consciousness without meaning or purpose.
So, why is decision making so difficult? Perhaps because of imperfect knowledge. We cannot know in advance how each option will “pan out”.
Perhaps because making a choice means by definition the rejection of one or more previously existing potentialities. It’s comfortable to have choices. Making a decision means closing doors.
The Real-World Blueprint to Critical Thinking, Logic & Decision Making by Alex Caldwell
A clear, practical guide to sharpening your mind in a noisy world. Through real-world examples, Caldwell shows how to cut through bias, spot flawed reasoning, and make smarter choices with confidence. It’s not abstract theory — it’s a hands-on toolkit for thinking clearly under pressure. Perfect for anyone who wants to strengthen their reasoning and master the art of sound decision-making.
Being faced with decisions is a very real reminder that we are more than flesh and blood, atoms and molecules. We are Spiritual beings temporarily clothed in flesh. Although subject to the constraints of physical existence we maintain responsibility for, and control over, our personal destiny.
When faced with a decision remember two things.
Firstly that being in that position is a marvelous privilege. It demonstrates our power to make a difference, to ourselves and the universe as a whole, through the exercise of conscious intent.
Secondly, difficult as decision making may seem, it is unavoidable. To try to ride two horses at once is to fall flat on one’s back.
Head vs Heart in Decision Making
Our decision making process tends to work in one of two ways, referred to metaphorically as the head and the heart. The head is associated with the conscious, rational, logical, thought-based approach. The heart is associated the subconscious, gut-feeling, intuitive approach.
How We Decide Paperback by Jonah Lehrer
Jonah Lehrer blends neuroscience, storytelling, and psychology to reveal how our brains make decisions — and why emotion plays a bigger role than we think. From sports to business to everyday choices, his examples are fascinating and eye-opening. This book makes science deeply relatable, helping readers trust their instincts while thinking more critically. It’s an engaging exploration of how we can harness our minds to make better, wiser decisions.
Process of Rational Decision Making
Making decisions with the head involves listing the pros and cons of each option and associating (numerical) values and weights to each identified factor. It involves concepts such as best case, worst case and most likely scenarios, and the assignment of probabilities to each.
Here’s one rational approach to decision making.
First identify what factors are important to you in the outcome of the decision. Eg if it’s a decision about moving house you might be concerned about the safety of your new neighborhood, commuting time to work, local school quality and the condition of the house (amongst other things). A real decision could involve many more factors than this.
Next list the available options. Don’t forget the “do nothing” option, if applicable.
Now decide how important each of the factors is. Formalize your priorities by allocating 100 units of weight among the factors you identified. It might help if you first rank them in order of importance before allocating scores. For example, let’s say 35, 10, 35, 20 reflect the relative importance you attach to safety, commute, schools and house condition.
Then, for each factor allocate 100 units of score among each of the choices, according to how well it satisfies the factor. Eg you might allocate 25, 30, 25, 20 among houses A, B, C, D with regards to safety.
Finally, multiply the house scores for each factor by the weight of the factor, and find the total for each house. The house with the greatest score represents the best choice (rationally speaking). (NB: to check your math, the sum of the totals should be 10,000).
It’s probably easiest to carry out this process using a spreadsheet such as Microsoft Excel, as shown below.
If time permits it’s good to carry out this process over several sessions. Our minds are often subject to momentary (but unimportant) emotional noise. By returning to the task on a number of occasions this noise is likely to be cancelled out, leaving what’s truly important to our constant essence.
Intuitive Decision Making
Intuitive decision making, or making decisions with the heart, involves listening to the voice within. Visualizing each of the choices and its implications, noticing the feelings associated with each. Possibly even observing your dreams, after asking your subconscious for guidance.
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
A modern classic by Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman, this book transforms how we understand the mind. He unveils the two systems that drive our thinking — one fast and intuitive, the other slow and deliberate — and shows how they shape every judgment we make. Insightful, thought-provoking, and often surprising, it challenges assumptions about rationality and perception. A must-read for anyone interested in psychology, decision science, or simply understanding themselves better.
Both the head and the heart have their place in decision making. When both are in accord the choice is easy. But what happens when the head says one thing and the heart says another? In such cases it’s almost always best to follow the heart – unless the head’s verdict is very very clear, and the heart somewhat less so.
Taking counsel from others is something that some feel inclined to do. There is certainly no harm in seeking to benefit from others’ experience, but don’t use friends or relatives as a means of abdicating personal responsibility. There are no absolute right or wrong choices. The best choice for you is dependent on your particular characteristics and circumstances. So listen to the advice of others by all means, but only you can make the final decision.
Don’t make such a big deal over decision making. There isn’t just one route that fulfills our life purpose, but many. Each is slightly different, offering slightly different experiences and opportunities. But each leading to the same ultimate destination, and of the same Spiritual merit.
Don’t seek perfection in this world. We are born imperfect, into an imperfect universe. Whichever way we turn is inevitably flawed. But whichever way we turn brings opportunity to learn and grow. Make your choices to the best of your ability, follow them through to the best of your ability. Be glad you have the power to choose, and learn what you can from the choices you make.
Learn More abour Effective Decision Making
The 6 Pillars of Decision Making by Patrik Ian Meyer
Patrik Ian Meyer provides a practical framework for mastering life’s choices with clarity and confidence. His six-pillar approach blends psychology, strategy, and self-awareness into a system anyone can apply — from personal dilemmas to business challenges. Written in a clear, empowering style, it helps readers understand their values, minimize bias, and take purposeful action. This book is an essential guide for those seeking balance, logic, and conviction in decision-making.
Thinking Analytically: A Guide for Making Data-Driven Decisions by Jim Frost
Jim Frost makes analytical thinking accessible and powerful. With warmth and clarity, he shows how to approach problems using logic, evidence, and data — without getting lost in jargon. Each concept is tied to real examples, making it ideal for students, professionals, and anyone eager to make smarter, more informed choices.
Thinking: The New Science of Decision-Making, Problem-Solving, and Prediction. Edited by John Brockman
In this captivating collection, leading scientists and thinkers unravel the mysteries of how we think, decide, and predict the future. Edited by John Brockman, it’s a fascinating blend of disciplines — neuroscience, economics, and philosophy — offering new perspectives on human cognition. Each essay invites readers to question how we reason and what it means to make a “good” decision. Stimulating and wide-ranging, it’s an intellectual feast for curious minds.
The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less by Barry Schwartz
Barry Schwartz explores a modern dilemma: why having too many options can make us less happy and more anxious. Backed by research and compelling stories, he shows how simplifying choices leads to greater satisfaction and peace of mind. Insightful, witty, and deeply relevant, this book will make you rethink what freedom and happiness truly mean. A refreshing and liberating read for anyone overwhelmed by endless decisions.
Recommended books available from Amazon.