It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time

Life is a continuous stream of choices. We make decisions all the time whether we realise it or not. Awareness of how the process unfolds is going to allow us to make better decisions (whatever that means, anyway), or at least feel that way.

If nothing else, having some familiarity with Daniel Kahneman's Thinking Fast and Slow makes one an engaging conversationalist.
How does it happen?
Inputs from the "external" environment are processed through one or two systems:

• Fast - automatic, frequent, emotional, stereotypic, subconscious - often the decision is made before we are aware of having a choice. This system is evolutionary developed, operates all the time, and does a relatively good job to ensure physical survival. Think of instincts and intuition.
• Slow - effortful, infrequent, analytical, calculating, conscious. This system is deliberate, lazy and tires easily. Think logic and reason.

In reality these are not two, yet describing them on a conceptual level is helpful.
To preserve energy we tend rely on the "fast" system which occasionally leaves us at the mercy heuristics and subject to biases. This in turn can lead to phrases like “it seemed like a good idea at the time” uttered with complete honesty.
What to do about it?
As these two systems in fact work as an integral whole - helpful interventions ideally address them both. Some of the following suggestions are more relevant to the slow system, some to the fast, and some to both.

• Pay attention. It has been reported that mindfulness improves decision-making.
• Choose the default settings. Having personal guiding principles covering a wide range of possible scenarios and being familiar with them can be extremely helpful.
• Look at the big picture. Often regrettable decisions stem from focusing too much on the "content" at the expense of the "context.
• Consider justification. Would I be comfortable with this choice if my family / children / loved ones knew about it? Would I be peaceful with this decision at my death bed?
• Change perspective. Ask yourself how someone you trust will act? (a respected friend, a role-model)
• Do nothing. An often overlooked option - sometimes the wisest thing to do is do nothing. Perhaps you can wait a bit so that more options become available.
• Relax. What seems as a momentous decision right now will be forgotten and life will go on regardless of what you pick. Allow several complete exhalations and proceed with equanimity. Strong emotions are not good or bad in and of themselves, they just distort reality.

Why does it matter?
It is neither necessary, nor possible to be thinking of all these considerations when faced with a choice. Still, being aware of them allows us to:

• Be more intentional about our lives and choices.
• Be realistic about the limitations of our intellect and that of others.
• Be empathetic towards humans' imperfections in making decisions.

As philosopher Daniel Dennett says: 'Any being, any agent, who can truly say "Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time!" is standing on the threshold of brilliance.'
Thank you very much for deciding to read this article. I hope it still looks like a good idea.