Every day, a truckload of decisions stretches out before us. Some are small and unimportant, but others have a powerful impact on our lives. For example, which policy should I vote for? What studies/school choose? Should I accept particular job offer?
We are bombarded with so many cases that the perfect choice cannot be made every time. Nevertheless, there are many options to increase our chances, and one one of them, totally effective and powerful technique is critical thinking.
Critical thinking is a way of approaching the question and allow to carefully deconstruct the case, reveal unseen problems such as bias or manipulation, and make the best decision. Let me introduce one of approaches to critical thinking, which is a five-step process that can help solve some of our problems.
Critical thinking is a way of approaching the question and allow to carefully deconstruct the case, reveal unseen problems such as bias or manipulation, and make the best decision. Let me introduce one of approaches to critical thinking, which is a five-step process that can help solve some of our problems.
First: formulate your question. In other words, know what you are looking for. It is not always as easy as it seems. For example, if you decide whether to try the latest diet craze, your reasons may be obscured by other factors, such as claiming to see results in just two weeks.
Second: gather information. There are many, so a clear understanding of the question will help you determine what is important. If you are trying to decide on a diet that will improve your nutrition, you can ask an expert for advice or look for other people's testimonies. Collecting information helps you weigh different options, bringing you closer to a decision that meets your goal.
Third: apply information by asking critical questions. When making a decision, ask yourself few questions about: concepts "Which concepts are available and will bring value?", assumption "What are the factual acceptances/assumptions?", interpretation "Is my interpretation make sense and is logical?".
Fourth: consider the consequences. Imagine that the election time has come and you have chosen a political candidate based on the promise that drivers will be cheaper to refuel. At first glance, this seems great. But what about long-term effects on the environment? If gasoline consumption is less limited, it can also cause a huge increase in air pollution, an unintended effect to think about.
Fifth: get to know other points of view. Consider why so many people are interested in the politics of the opposing political candidate. Even if you disagree with everything the candidate says, examining the full spectrum of viewpoints can explain why some principles that seem unimportant to you appeal to others. This will allow you to explore alternatives, evaluate your choices, and ultimately help you make more informed decisions.
This five-step process is just one tool and it certainly won't remove difficult decisions from our lives. But it can help us increase the number of positive choices we make. Critical thinking can give us tools to search the sea of information and find what we are looking for. And if enough of us use it, it has the power to make the world a more reasonable place.
Questions:
- Do you like to make decisions? Is it usually you who is the person that make joint decisions or someone from your close family/friends?
- What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
- What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
Comments
1. I honestly are reluctant to make decisions on my own, when they directly concern not only me but also other people. For me, what counts is the opinion of other people, as well as the effect of decisions that will affect them.
2. To be honest, I am a very careful and prudent person when I make decisions. First, I analyze the facts, look for more information, consult with others. I usually don't make important decisions alone (when the effect also affects other people), and I talk to others. So you can say that I really use all the points listed in the article.
3. It seems to me that the five points that were mentioned in the article are quite sufficient. I don't know what to add as a sixth point. Maybe there is no need. Also, do not overdo it so as not to complicate it.
2. I seem to be implementing these 5 points in my life when making decisions. Maybe not in the sequence given in your article, but I think I usually consider all of the ideas described in these rules.
3. I think the five points you've presented are enough. Any other idea of sixth point that comes to my mind seems to be already included in the previous ones.
I don`t consider that anyone likes to make decisions at all. I just think that for some people decision making is easier than for another. As for me personally, I can decide if there is a need for me (for example, choosing a profession). In our family, we try to make serious decisions together.
2. What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
It depends on the situation. First of all, I try to find more information about the problem I need to solve. I can also ask for advice from someone who is well versed in this area of knowledge. But sometimes it's best to do things your own way.
3. What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
It seems to me that the five points that have been mentioned above are already enough for the right decision-making. Perhaps I would add one detail that you need to carefully check the sources, from which you get the information.
It depends I don't mind making decisions, though when I more tired I really like to pass it to another person or if the outcome is not a big deal, like what to eat for diner. Hard decisions may give relief to the person making it if done well or if he gets what was needed from the situation.
2.What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
Yes, but it depends on the timeframe I have for a decision. The closer deadline the harder it gets to follow more than 2 of these rules. I really like to consider alternatives as I am more of the 3rd option kind of guy. Seeing future consequences can be also mind blowing and fun is some way as it really flexes your brain.
3.What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
Don't look back. Hard but very needed. The harder the decision was to be made the more people tend to rethink it. It is nice, it can give you some future experience but getting sad or depressed over long time made decision want help. It is better to look forward to new decision that can be made then overthink one situation over and over again.
It depends with whom I am, if the person is older, has some authority, then I tend to listen to the wiser, older person, however when I'm with my peers or fellow students, then I think I'm more decisive while trying always to argument the proposed choices I makes.
2.
I would like to, but sadly I'm often spontaneous in my decisions, and don't think take into account each point of view or dwell on the implications too much.
3.
Maybe after each aspect has been analyzed and it's an objectively good choice, be confident with the decision you made.
2. I think that I consider the points mentioned in the article, however sometimes I have to withdraw a decision and consider it again, because I made it too quickly.
3. Maybe the next point should tell what to do some time after the decision was made. For example to refine it according to the actual outcome.
2. I usually consider the consequences and efforts which will be taken to adjust to this decision. I also tried to analyze point of view from the other side. I did not proceed along with the points mentioned by you, but these things somehow match with my way of deciding. For example, I like to hear different opinions and analyze them.
3. These hints are generally correct and I don't think there could be added something. Maybe they could be improved by adding more requirements to specific points. For example, an analysis should be conducted basing on own convictions, but also on the real ones such as statistics.
Now I make the decisions. I have previously made decisions under the influence of other people, but I have dragged out the bad effects of those decisions.
2. What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
Inability to make decisions (or fear of making them) is largely due to lack of experience. As a rule it's a lot, maybe most of the decisions are somehow bad, lame, ill-considered (obviously the percentage composition is different for each of them), the question of drawing conclusions from them and improving the next attempts. Failed? Nothing happened. Can it be fixed? If so, it's great If you don't, you're trying to try to fix it again. The more you fall back on your mind, the less mistakes you will make with simple decisions. With difficult decisions, of course, the problem will continue to occur just as often, but you will gain experience again and jump up to a higher level with the wisdom of life.
3. What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
The order given should be used when making decisions:
situation in which you have to make a decision >> analyse the problem thoroughly >> assess your own possibilities and >> seek advice from others >> make a 100% certain choice
2. I like to analyze things, so I more or less follow points mentioned in presentation. Other than that, I tend to focus a lot on possible outcomes and different approaches to the question.
3. Don't overthink it too much. It's always good to consider every possible outcome. But we often come up with great solution and despite that, still think what else could be done. It's often not only waste of time, but can also lead to worse decision after we strain our brain too much in the process of thinking.
I usually take the decisions and take the responsibility for these decisions. I would probably not subordinate to anyone`s decisions taken.
What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
First of all, I am thinking about the resources, whether I have a capability to manage what I plan, then i am asking for an opinion of people who I respect and whose point of view is important for me. Generally this all depends on what kind of decision is going to be taken: should i act immediately or I have time to think. Seems like I do proceed with the points mentioned at least in taking into consideration other points of view.
What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
Sixth hint would be: analyze how your decision might affect others. Sometimes we take the decision without thinking of how we can harm other people or which inconviniences that might cause.
Yes, I prefer to make decisions by myself, because if something goes wrong I can only blame myself. I would regret if I let someone decide about me. I like to discuss about serious decisions, but I have to be a part of it. Usually we make joint decisions together.
2. What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
Yes, the points presented in this post are very close to me. I usually proceed the case like in the example. I find it very reasonable to firstly analyze the situation and ask questions, because the asker has always right to didn’t know about everything.
3. What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
I would add to stick hard with decision which we have made, if we start doing something there is always a reason so be prepared to ask yourself why we are doing this like this and know the answer.
1. Yes, I like to make decisions, but only if they affect only me. If they concern other people, I need to discuss it with the other person first. I also like discussing in general because other points of views are very useful in decision making.
2. Honestly, that depends on the decision that I have to make. If it's something emotional, then usually I won't be doing any steps mentioned above since I'll simply follow my heart. But if the decision is more of a "think-about-it" or "choose-your-future" type, like for example picking my college - then I'll definitely check all of the options that I have first, analyse them and maybe get some feedback from family or close friends.
3. I'd definitely add that after making a decision - you should be confident that you've picked the right option and that no matter the outcome, you did what you thought was the best for you. Never delve in the past, always go forward!
None of us likes to make particularly difficult decisions. Such decisions are difficult and not popular. If they concern doing harm to someone, they are very difficult for a normal person. I usually make difficult decisions based on a conversation with several people. Everyone has a different life experience and can advise on something that's later easier to make this difficult decision.
2. What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
I think this is what my decision-making process looks like. For 13 years as a supervisor, I have to make my own decisions. People matters aren't simple and decision making needs to be learned. Getting to know the algorithm isn't everything. IT professionals want to always have an algorithm, but life is life.
3. What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
Think logically and listen to others. People will tell you more than they want if you just want to listen to them.
I like mo make decisions and I am the person who makes them. Mostly because I do not enjoy spending time in a way that doesn't suit me, so if I won't speak about my opinion or try to convince someone, I can be in a situation that makes me angry, sad or mad.
2.What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
I'm trying not to think about myself. As I mention before I like to spend time as I want but also I want other people around me to feel happy. So If something is gonna make for example my sister happy, I am ready to compromise.
3.What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
Hmm that's a hard question for me. I can think only about making your decisions final. Do not change your mind after 10 minutes.
2. Yeah, I often ask search for information, ask questions and explore other points of view. But not in a straight line, cause it's not flexible enough. I think you should do all this stuff together, mixing it, changing the order and so on.
3. NOT to make final decisions. Each time in history someone did a completely final decision it was a mistake. We should be more flexible in our thoughts and beliefs, always ready to change ourselves if it's necessary.
I really like your answer when it comes to consulting with others. It is crucial to (after all) have people satisfied with the decision that was made when it has impact also on them.
I think there are people that like to make decision, then they are able to fulfill their need to fell that they have impact on what is going on.
I am very happy that you seem to implement these 5 points in your life. Even though you consider a decision again, it better that sticking in the wrong actions made.
I think there are people that like to make decision, then they are able to fulfill their need to fell that they have impact on what is going on. Thank you for your statement that for some people decision making is easier than for another. I totally agree with you and think that I could added this to my article ;)
Thank you for your very interesting sixth point! I really like it and totally agree with you. "It is better to look forward to new decision that can be made then overthink one situation over and over again." - want to add to my words of wisdom about decision making.
I agree with you about being confident with the decision you made, but sometimes it is much better to withdraw a decision and consider it again, because it could be made too quickly.
Very good advice for all of us when it comes to order when making decisions:
situation in which you have to make a decision >> analyse the problem thoroughly >> assess your own possibilities and >> seek advice from others >> make a 100% certain choice.
I like it very much!
I am very happy that you seem to implement these 5 points in your life. Moreover I like your sixth rule: do not overthink decision too much! Sometimes we spend so much time for decision making and it took us much more energy that it is worth it.
I don't agree with you that none of us likes to make particularly difficult decisions.
I think there are people that like to make decision, then they are able to fulfill their need to fell that they have impact on what is going on.
Very good point with your sixth rule: Think logically and listen to others. I will remember it:)
I totally agree about 3 point: "You should be confident that you've picked the right option and that no matter the outcome, you did what you thought was the best for you. "
It is better to look forward to new decision that can be made then overthink one situation over and over again ;)
I agree with your answer when it comes to final decision. It is totally different that previous comment from Mikołaj who said that we should make final decisions.
I think sometimes it is much better to withdraw a decision and consider it again, because it could be made too quickly or we could not take all options into our consideration.
When it comes to final decision I really agree with Roman's answer:
"NOT to make final decisions. Each time in history someone did a completely final decision it was a mistake. We should be more flexible in our thoughts and beliefs, always ready to change ourselves if it's necessary."
It is totally different form your opinion, I am interesting what do you think about it after reading his comment?
Very good point about your 6th hint - "remember the first five". That hint is crucial to implement advices from articles into our lives ;)
Your sixth rule is very interesting but I am not sure if I agree with that. It is very important to be confident with the decision we made, but sometimes it is much better to withdraw a decision and consider it again, because it could be made too quickly.
What do you think?
Thank you for your very good sixth point! I didn't think about it.
I really like it and totally agree with you. "Analyze how your decision might affect others". - it should be taken into consideration while make every decisions in our lives!!
Thank your or your comment. You are right I could add more requirements to specific points for sure. I just did not want to have to long article to read for everyone. But I totally agree, practical points are very useful.
2. To be honest I'm trying to follow all of the mentioned points. I like to gather information, even though it's impossible to know everything and be sure about every possible outcome from all choices.
3. Not thinking that the moment we make a final decision is the last stage of process. It's important to collect feedback and learn from mistakes for improving future decision making cycle. Also, it's useful to make some additional "plan b" decisions, just in case.
2. I usually use steps 2, 3 and 4, which are "Gather your information", "Apply the information" and "Consider the implications". I can't think of any other thing i consider while making a decision.
3. I wouldn't really add anything, i think that the 5 points given in the article are enough to help you make a decision.
2 / I most likely compare all the options, pros and cons, and also try to look at the situation from the other side.
3 / I think that the sixth rule is to include a review of all five options again, for a better result.
I don’t like to make decision because its a heavy task. When I must then I make a decision. In my family I or may father make decisions. In my sister's family sister make decisions. When I meet with my friend and we go something eat then my friend make decision in which restaurant we will eat. I don’t know which restaurant is worth to go.
2. What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
Before I make a decision I try to think about problem. I search information about problem topic and look for pros and cons for each option of decision. I spend a lot of time with problem before I choose a right decision. Usually I sleep with problem and in the morning I make decision. If you see I proceed with some of mentioned points. I always don’t know if may decision that I choose is right or wrong.
3. What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
As a sixth hint I would like to add a point that say sleep with the problem. For me its the best solution. When I need to make a decision I think about it at night and when I wake up in the morning I know what to do.
2. I'm always managing decisions this way. It's terrible to make them under influence of moment.
3. I don't see sixth, but I would correct fifth. It's important to explore verified points of views. In this world there are many point of view build on fake news, which creators throwing fake-news-balls in others. It recommended to avoid listening others to much, in other way there will be much greater troubles.
2. I think that I've already applied some of these rules unintentionally. But I think that sometimes no matter how much you analyze the situation and how many points you make on that it just does not work. There are cases that you must trust 'the feeling' and see what happens.
3. Trust yourself and how you feel about the situation.
I don't like the feeling and it always comes with some drawbacks. I am an introvert and I like to analyse the decision first rather than just choose instantly. I usually try to at least consult the possibilities with friends or family, depends on the area of decision making.
2. What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
I think that everyone has different points of view and the decisionmaking will vary on what the person is insisting on. So I will be thinking of something different when I have to decide on something than you. Of course, I use some of your points, but it differs on the situation.
3. What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
I think that these points are sufficient to the topic. If I would have to add something to that, it would probably be some extension to already existing points.
2. I consider making decision when I think about what I need to do and I decide what to do after thinking what to do that I will be doing when the time comes to do such thing and I will be, hopefully ready than. It is important to stick with the decision that you made.
3. The article is perfect. I wouldn’t change or add anything to it.
Yeeees, learning from mistakes - that is very important. We need to be flexible and do not stick in the wrong decision, but change it when possible. I also agree with plan B, we should remember about it as often as it possible.
I am very happy that you are trying to follow all of the mentioned points in the video.
I appreciate that you found this article useful and that the 5 points given in the article are enough to help you make a decision.
You mentioned about points 2-4, how about rest 2 points? Do you agree with them or you think they are useless?
2.I try to look at a problem from many perspectives so the fifth point is very familiar to me. When making decisions I usually also consider how it will effect my future, people around me and if it feels right with my soul or not ;)
3.I would add one more step - asking your mom. Moms usually have amazing knowledge about life and give the best advice. I doesn't sound very manly but it is the truth :D
2. When I make a decision I try to do it according to every point mentioned in the article, I believe that every bigger decision should be carefully thought through.
3. I think it's worth adding the pros and cons of making a decision, such a visible comparison table always helps me.
I love to make decisions. It is always awesome where there is something happening around me. Mostly i do it instinctively expect some more important situations or maybe harded to decide when i have to spend some time to think about this.
2. What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
As i said before more often i do it instinctively. If the decision is harded or it can result with negative things i am just thinking what is better and how dangerous is it. Sometimes if it is not so important probably i would take some risk.
3. What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
In my opinion this what you presented is quite enough. I have no idea right know what else can be added. What can i say. Well done my friend... :)
No, I don't like to make decisions for a team or group, I only like to make decision for my own business, as for close friends and family, I would like to make decision together, but sometimes you have to be the one who make decesions even when you don't want to.
2.What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
I will consider the worst situation of each decisions first, then try to optimize each of them and consider again, and then choose the best one, and yes, it is just like the points mentioned above in your presentation, the most important thing is that we have to be decisive and have a risk-taking mentality.
3.What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
Toss a coin when you really don't have any choice, let the god decide, haha.
I don't like to do it especially if the thing being decided doesn't concern just me. I usually try to find a compromise and something that would fit most of the group if we need to decide on something with friends.
2.What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
I think it is always a little bit of this, a little bit of that. You have to use multiple 'tactis' when making a decision. Consider risk, chances, if the risk is worth taking, is this thing really important to you. The most crucial thing is to find the Golden mean
3.What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
I would probably do the whole process of deciding again but taking a short way, just to revise the stepsand maybe rethink them.
2. Yes, I do consider every option I have in particular case and I do proceed with some or sometimes all of the five points mentioned in Your post.
3. To make a chart with pros and cons of particular decision, sometimes seeing it on a piece of paper instead having the conclusions only in our mind helps us in making good decision
2. When I make decision, I usually do research, I try to consider both positive and negative sides. I use each of these points to some extent, but most often Second "gather information".
3. Six: "give yourself time", we often make decisions through emotions, if we like something in market, we can buy it without thinking whether it will be useful. Sometimes it is worth to wait day and after this day and make decision
It's not like I like or not to make decision, but I definitely dislike when somebody makes it for me. If it's about food (e.g. dinner) I let somebody else to decide, but if it's about something important I prefer to decide on my own. During group discussion me and my friends usually do it together (we conduct a vote).
2. What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
If it's something really important I usually do all 5 steps. In small decisions it is enough for me with steps 2, 3 and 4.
3. What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
In my opinion the sixth point should be "Compare other and your points of view". It is known that people shouldn't follow other advises without contemplation. This is just irrational and unwise, so human being needs to compare their own informations with other.
I hate making decisions. I am the most indecisive person I know. I usually take advice from close friends and family members.
2.
My decision making is usually based on a pros and cons approach, I don't take steps.
3.
Check your sources if you're reading about certain topics online.
Concerning to my friends no I try to be neutral and do not take joint decision. Usually I say my opinion and expect that we will come to common agreement.
2. No usually I am not. I am not used to think carefully about each step. Usually I make decision spontaneously and after I am thinking about what I did. I think the reason why I do like that is I can stuck on one of the steps or think about something too much.
3. Honestly I don't know what to add because I don't use such kind of steps to make decision.
2. I proceed with every point you mentioned and more. The last one, after all this logical analysis, is gut feeling- that’s the most important one for me. Another one I reserve only for the most important decisions (the critical ones) – I'm doing something, about what Dale Carnegie talks a lot in his book and what Abraham Lincoln was doing, when he could- having asleep with a decision to make. For me, that always works.
2. The answer is in p.2 :)
I don’t like making decisions per se, but I know that decision making is an essential skill, and there is no way to run from it. Usually I’m the person making joint decisions, with the exceptions when it comes to planning holidays, I hate it and really don’t care.
2. What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
I usually try to make a list of pros and cons for every choice, and when I start making it I usually know what my decision will be at the end.
3. What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
I would add a point : When you are stuck making a decision and either one of them seems bad, just trust your gut.
When making decisions, you need to predict what will happen, what the consequences may be / In addition, you need to coolly analyze the situation. The ability to think coolly and act under pressure are very useful in this situation.
As a last tip I would add "Think when you do something"
I make decisions only for myself. I didn't wonder if I like it or not – I just do it.
1. What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
I unknowingly followed these points. They seem logical
2. What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
Drawing conclusions from your mistakes and other people mistakes. This allows you not to commit them in the future with similar problems.
I do like making decisions but it comes from the fact, that I never had to choose with consequences heavily affecting other people - like many CEOs in the current time. It also depends if I consider myself competent in the area of the question.
What do you consider when making decisions? Do you usually proceed with any of the points mentioned above?
Yes, I do follow most of the steps - however, I often forgot about truly exploring other points of view. I think that what takes the most time on making a decision is thinking about the consequences, and it's quite natural for us to do so.
What would you add to this article as a sixth hint and why?
Thinking about your motives. You usually start with some idea about what you want to do. Knowing truly what you want to accomplish it's very important because otherwise, you can still end up disappointed, even if what happened was exactly what you predicted.
2.First of all, I make decisions very quickly, I don't have to think about anything for long, I just know what I want. Of course, before I make any decision, I first think about its consequences or effect, so my decisions are always well thought out. Yeah, from what you can see he's dealing with a couple of these points.
3.As a sixth clue, I would add that people making decisions should be aware of it, that they should be 100% sure that this decision is the right one, so that they don't regret anything later.