Mandelbrot
We all face decisions, big and small, every day. From deciding what to eat for breakfast to contemplating career moves, choices are a constant. Yet, how often do we pause to consider what happens after we make a decision? Here’s a simple yet powerful method I use to make better choices: I ask myself, “How much can I shape the outcome after I make this choice?”
Imagine standing at a fork in the road. One path is gravelly but well-lit, and the other is smooth but shrouded in darkness. How would you decide which to take? If you’re like most people, you’d weigh the pros and cons. But there’s a vital factor that we often overlook—our ability to affect the outcome after the decision is made.
When I find that I can significantly influence what happens next, I feel more at ease taking risks. Let’s say I decide to start a new project at work that’s filled with uncertainties. It might seem risky at first glance, but if I know that I have the skills and resources to navigate those challenges, then it’s a risk worth taking. I can roll up my sleeves and make a meaningful impact, turning a shaky start into a successful finish.
On the flip side, if I realize that my hands are tied—that no matter what I do, the end result will be out of my control—I tread carefully. For instance, if I’m considering investing in an asset class that I know little about, where my actions would have minimal impact, it’s best to be cautious. Why? Because in these scenarios, even my best efforts won’t make a significant difference. The outcome is not in my hands; it’s like tossing a coin and hoping it lands the right way up.
Applying this simple filter can make decision-making more straightforward. It steers you away from choices where you’ll feel helpless and guides you toward situations where you can take the reins. It’s a method that places you, as much as possible, in the driver’s seat of your own destiny. After all, who doesn’t want to have more control over how their life unfolds?
So, the next time you find yourself at a crossroads, ask yourself: How much can you truly shape what happens after you make your choice? Isn’t it time you took the wheel?