Most folks think they make pretty solid decisions.
They are wrong. There are so many decisions we make each day. So many factors.
Studies show we make 200+ decisions a day on food alone.
(Let's be honest, we can improve there)
You don't make better decisions because of poor judgment.
You make poor-quality decisions because you lack quality information.
I'm talking about information on HOW you make decisions.
Research demonstrates that the quality of your decisions decreases as you make more choices, simply because you get tired of making them.
A decision journal is one of the most powerful tools you can use in your personal and professional life.
An article for Farnam Street suggests when you’re faced with a large decision, use your journal to capture the following:
Your choice
Your expected result of making that choice
Your reason for expecting those results
How you feel about your decision
Doing this gives you a valuable resource for reflection.
When was the last time you were able to look back, and clearly articulate the components just described? If you're like most people, it's never.
That ends today.
You're going to make better decisions supported by better data. Maybe you have a pattern of making assumptions that you shouldn't. Or perhaps you make a lot of decisions in an emotional state that isn't ideal. Or perhaps your expectations are simply way out of line.
Your decision journal is going to give you the evidence you need to make adjustments to improve your decisions and how you make them.
What will you use to improve the quality of your decision?