The Hidden Enemies Within – How Biases & Habits Sabotage Your Decision-Making

Dan Ariely, in his book ‘The Upside of Irrationality’ (2010), rightly points out that making big, important, life-changing decisions is difficult due to the numerous decision biases we all possess. These biases not only affect our major decisions but also influence the smaller ones…which can be just as life changing.

In this blog, we will explore the challenges associated with making decisions about changes and provide some ideas on how you can harness the power of transformative change in your business.

The Power of Small Changes: Understanding the Forces of Habits

James Clear wrote about the power of small, repeated habits in his book ‘Atomic Habits’ (2018). These seemingly insignificant adjustments significantly influence our lives by affecting our thoughts, actions, and how others perceive us. Over time, these small changes compound into substantial shifts in our lives. Emotionally rooted changes tend to have more lasting power, emphasizing the importance of both big and small decisions in shaping a person’s character.

Choosing Your Path: Deciding on Constructive Change

Small changes can significantly influence our lives and businesses by affecting our thoughts, actions, and how others perceive us. Emotionally rooted changes tend to have more lasting power. Both big and small decisions play an essential role in shaping a person’s character.

However, making changes, particularly positive ones, can be challenging. Most people struggle to make changes even when faced with dire consequences. So, what should we do about this natural fact? The answer lies in the future you envision for yourself.

You have three options:

1. Changes for the better
2. No changes
3. Changes for the worse

Most people would remove option 3 from the list, and many would choose option 1, which involves making positive changes.

Alan Deutschman, author of ‘Change or Die’ (2006), recommends three keys to change:

1. Relate: Form a new emotional relationship with a person or community that inspires and sustains hope.
2. Repeat: Practice and master new habits and skills with the help of a teacher, coach, or mentor.
3. Reframe: Learn new ways of thinking about your situation and life, changing how you view the world.

If you opt for positive change, consider the following advice:

1. Accept that facts, fear, and force are not the routes to sustained, positive change,
2. Seek calmer and more comfortable [pre-planned] approaches to the changes you make,
3. Set aside time for self-reflection and consider the desired changes, baby steps, and end goals,
4. Establish small, achievable-action goals without expecting immediate perfection, and
5. Educate yourself and seek expert advice.

In summary, to create positive change in your life, you need to relax, relate, repeat, and reframe…and you need to create and follow processes for decision-making.

Conclusion:

The journey towards transformative change may be challenging, but it is always possible.

By understanding the importance of both big and small changes, acknowledging the influences of biases and habits, and embracing pre-planned believability-weighted decision-making processes, you can harness the power of transformative change to shape your character and future.

So, go ahead and choose your path towards making Changes for the Better!