Humans can make a decision in two different ways; rational and emotional.
One requires different thought processes; involves analytic, synthetic and abstract thinking which leads to the prediction of the near or far future based on the consequences of our actions. Its basic form looks somewhat like this:
If I do this, that might happen.
or
If I don’t do this, that might happen.
The other decision-making process is based purely on our emotional state and it usually comes in a form of:
I don’t feel like doing it.
Unfortunately, most humans base their decisions on emotions.
- I don’t like broccoli, so I will have a donut instead.
- I feel tired today, so I will _____(insert any task) some other time.
- I don’t like this candidate, I will vote for the other one instead no matter how poor his political program is.
- I don’t like this person, I won’t hire her no matter how good her recommendations and qualifications are.
Most often, what we feel like doing and what’s rational aren’t in alignment. Doing something unpleasant requires willpower and we only have a certain amount of it during the day; hence, all the irrational decisions in our lives.
Therefore, whenever in dilemma, listen to your ratio and you will have fewer regrets.