Make Fewer Decisions and Achieve More

Dilbert cartoon by Scott Adams

Who knew that Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, is an economist? He spends a lot of time mocking the business world, but he also has some compelling insights into human behavior.

Any time you want to create a new habit, it seems that you have to draw upon unfamiliar reserves of willpower. Whether you want to eat better, exercise more, or live with less clutter, you constantly have to weigh your choices – now or later, inside or outside, keep or let go?

There is a growing body of research that says we only have a limited supply of willpower and when we use it up on trivial choices, we have less left over for the big decisions.

Which brings us back to Adams, who rejects willpower in favor of knowledge. In his quest to lose weight and exercise more, he realizes that it’s more effective to create systems that will last a lifetime rather than short-term fixes.  

Matching your mood to your activity is a baseline requirement for happiness. – Scott Adams

While you can’t wait around until you’re in the mood to do things, you can plan to accomplish your goals during times when you’re most likely to be successful; that is, when you’re not tired, hungry, irritable or distracted.

When do you find that you are most successful at decision making? Do you mull things over or jump in?

Organized by Marcie TM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value
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