Chris Mance II - Mental Skills Coach

There is a subtle but significant difference between choices and decisions. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “a choice is the act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities and a decision is the conclusion or resolution reached after consideration.”

Another way to think about it is that a choice is a possibility, while a decision is a commitment. For example, you might have a choice of what to do after a long day at school or work. You could go hang out with friends, workout, or go home to take a nap. But once you decide to workout, you have committed to working out.

While having options is a good thing, it can also lead to decision paralysis or worse—making decisions we later regret. One way to optimize the decision-making process is by eliminating bad choices upfront. By doing so, you set yourself up for success because you’re only left with options that align with your values and goals.

Going back to the example of the choices one has after a long day at school or work, none of these options are inherently “bad,” but some may not align with your long-term goals or current needs. If you’re trying to improve your fitness, then opting for a workout would be the best choice, followed by a decision to commit to a specific exercise like running, lifting weights, or doing yoga.

By narrowing down your choices to only include options that contribute to your betterment, you remove the possibility of making a poor decision. Essentially, you’ve streamlined your decision-making process so that you can only decide to be better.

The Psychology Behind Choices and Decisions

The psychology of choice explains that having too many options can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “paradox of choice,” suggests that while we think variety will make us happy, it often does the opposite. Limiting choices can not only simplify our lives but also make us happier and more focused.

By consciously removing poor or irrelevant options from your pool of choices, you can concentrate on what truly matters and make decisions more aligned with your goals and values. You essentially design a framework that guides you toward behaviors that lead you to becoming the best version of yourself.

A Four Step Process for Making Better Choices that Lead to Better Decisions

1. Identify Your Values and Goals: The first step is to understand what’s important to you. Your values and long-term goals will serve as a compass that guides your choices and subsequent decisions.
2. Limit Your Choices: Keep your list of choices short and manageable. A limited set of good options is far better than a long list of mostly irrelevant or bad ones.
3. Consider the Consequences: Before making a decision, think about both the immediate and long-term consequences of each choice. Will it help you become the person you aim to be? If not, it probably shouldn’t be on your list of choices.
4. Commit and Review: Once you’ve made your decision, commit to it fully. However, don’t forget to review the outcomes. Did your decision bring you closer to your goals? If yes, you’re on the right track. If not, re-evaluate and adjust as needed for future decisions.

By implementing these four steps, you can refine your decision-making process to be more in line with who you want to be. Remember, every choice you eliminate is one less bad decision you might make. This leaves you with a concentrated set of choices that not only make deciding easier but also propel you toward becoming the best version of yourself.