5 questions for making better decisions

If you’re like me, you probably have at least a few instances each week where you look back and wonder: why the heck did I do that?

Regardless or whether or not “that” is a big or small thing, it’s not a good feeling.

Here are 5 questions that I’ve found effective in decreasing the incidence of that question, by refocusing my brain and making more context-informed decisions in the moment.

• Will me in 24 hours be happy with this decision?

• Is this decision one that my future self, on this date in 1 year, be happy that I made?

• Is this decision one that a [insert identity you want to embody] would make?

• Would your younger self, 5-10 years ago, be proud of you for making this decision?

• Will your older self, lying on your deathbed, be happy you spent your time this way?

The common theme throughout these questions is that they all use some form of zooming out and using a different version of yourself as the frame of reference. I’ve found this strategy to be highly effective, because it draws me out of the present moment and makes the decision personal. It forces me to confront the fact that I’m going to be judged on my actions by the person I can’t hide anything from: myself.