The Key To Better Decisions Is Better Questions.
Peter Reek MSc, PCC
Founder of the InHabit Group, offering resources for those navigating the second half of their career and life. Helping people create their next chapter & move closer to the life they want and the person they want to be.
Want to make better decisions? Ask better questions.
I have made some good, not-so-good, bad, and even some regrettable decisions in my life (life is a learning lab, right?) Sources say, we make somewhere in the vicinity of 35,000 (remotely conscious) decisions per day. 260 of them are just about food – and then there’s grocery day. Although not all decisions require the same mental energy, each plays a role, however small, in our future.
I like Andy Stanley's work. So, I did not have to deliberate for too long on my decision to pick up his new book, Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets. I am glad a I did. It’s a quick read, simple yet packs a good punch. I liked it so much I ordered a copy for each of my kids (ha ha – if they don’t love me for it now, they may one day.)
Here are a few takeaways:
Good questions lead to better decisions.
The key to better decisions is better questions. Taking the time to ask ourselves (and others) questions will help provide the clarity required for more certainty in decision making. Andy Stanley puts forward 5 questions to help with making better decisions. I’ll refrain from sharing them here -- you can pick up the book if you’re curious.
High stakes decisions.
There are a few areas that tend to provide the biggest decision-making challenges and offer the greatest likelihood of potential regret. 1) Relationships 2) Money, Finance and Purchases 3) Habits. I don’t know about you, but those areas resonated with me.
I am good at selling myself.
No one is more effective at selling me on a decision/direction than me. When I want something, I have tremendous influence over me. I can sell myself on anything. Buyer beware of yourself.
Decisions and emotions are inseparable and co-joined.
I’m not able to make decisions apart from my emotions … when it comes to decisions pertaining to me, there are no emotionally neutral environments (even if I think there are).
Pay attention to tension(s).
If something bothers you, let it bother you. If there’s a tension in a decision you’re considering, don’t bury it. Dig it up so you can decide if it’s real or manufactured.
What is your strategy for making decisions?
CEO at SKAGIT VALLEY FAMILY YMCA
3 年Thank you for this, Peter. A good reminder to focus on good questions... and a good book suggestion as well. I look forward to reading!
Business Coach | Author & Content Creator
3 年Sounds like a great book. To answer your question, I've been doing some work over the last couple of years to clarify my values and then using those values as a filter to help make decisions. Easier said than done but it's really pushed me to pay attention to some of the tensions that you mention. Great post!