Make Better Decisions Even When You're Uncertain

28/06/2021 20 min Episodio 25
Make Better Decisions Even When You're Uncertain

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Episode Synopsis


When you’re making a decision on tough problems, you are always missing key information. Every decision is biased because it’s based on limited beliefs, assumptions and data points. You can never be sure of the outcome. A bet is a decision about an uncertain future. And decisions are bets in uncertain environments. As you seek to learn more, you start to peel back the layers. You become more skilled at finding different pathways and generating creative solutions to complex problems. When a problem cannot be solved with a simple technique or known procedure, being certain will block out conflicting and vital information. The more certain you are, the more-close minded you become. Being uncertain can be a key to success because it opens you up to new ideas, insights and information to create the best possible future. Thinking in bets improves your decision-making. You can embrace the power of saying “I am not sure” or “I don’t know.”  In episode 25 of The Incrementalist podcast, you will learn: Life is like poker and decisions are bets in uncertain environmentsWhy uncertainty has benefits and how to embrace itSome questions to ask when thinking in betsThe reasons you need to separate the outcome quality from the decision quality. (Hint: A good outcome can follow a bad decision and a bad outcome can result from a good decision.) The role of cognitive dissonance and motivated reasoning in decision-makingThe advantages of getting out of your echo chambers and considering alternative viewpointsDr. Robert K. Merton’s ethos of science, or CUDOS approach, for group decision-making and dissenting to winThe 10-10-10 approach for your present self to make decisions for your future selfWhy you need to break big stuff into small action steps to minimize high-pressure, high-stakes decision-makingResources cited: Annie Duke, Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the FactsDyan Williams, The Incrementalist: A Simple Productivity System to Create Big Results in Small StepsDyan Williams, How to Think Clearly and Make Better Decisions: Get Out of Echo ChambersMusic by:Sebastian Brian MehrDyan WilliamsCheck out the book: The Incrementalist, A Simple Productivity System to Create Big Results in Small StepsVisit website: www.dyanwilliams.comSubscribe to productivity e-newsletter