Understanding Our Decision-Making: Control or Illusion?
Written on
Chapter 1: The Nature of Decision-Making
Our past experiences significantly shape how we perceive reality, influencing every choice we make. Each word I write reflects my history; thus, in a distraction-free environment, my thoughts are pre-determined by prior experiences.
Research in psychology and neuroscience indicates that unconscious processes govern a considerable portion of our daily decisions—estimated between 70% and 90%. Factors like genetics, habits, intuition, implicit learning, heuristics, emotional responses, cognitive biases, priming, and neurobiological influences contribute to this unconscious decision-making. Even the remaining conscious choices are often shaped by our past, suggesting that we lack true control over future decisions. The randomness of our surroundings is the only factor that might divert us from our predetermined paths.
“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” — Theodore Roosevelt
Despite my belief in the pre-determined nature of decisions, I find value in Daniel Kahneman's examination of "Fast Thinking" and "Slow Thinking" in his book "Thinking, Fast and Slow." The "fast thinking" system is intuitive, impulsive, and automatic, which can lead to cognitive biases. It allows rapid decisions in familiar situations but may result in judgment errors. Conversely, "slow thinking" is characterized by deliberate, logical reasoning, activated in scenarios requiring careful consideration and complex problem-solving.
What constitutes "fast" or "slow" thinking varies by individual. For instance, a skilled carpenter has likely automated woodcarving, utilizing "fast thinking," while someone less experienced would engage "slow thinking," requiring conscious effort. This indicates that repetitive practice can shift certain decision-making processes from "slow" to "fast."
In the 1950s, Dr. Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon, noted that patients took a minimum of 21 days to adjust to their new appearance after surgery. This observation led to the widespread belief that it takes 21 days to form a habit, neglecting the "minimum" qualifier.
Dr. Phillippa Lally’s research at University College London involved 96 participants over 12 weeks, revealing that it takes an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic. However, this period varied significantly, ranging from 18 to 254 days, depending on the individual and the behavior.
Thus, if we wish to automate decision-making, we need to consciously repeat the behavior for approximately 66 days.
The Benefits of Unconscious Decision-Making
Why might one desire unconscious decision-making? Each conscious choice requires cognitive energy, resulting in decision fatigue—a decline in decision quality over time due to mental resource depletion. The brain's cognitive resources are limited, and engaging in decision-making tasks drains these resources, impacting performance, focus, and self-control.
In daily life, habits can serve as both helpful allies and hidden adversaries. They streamline actions and free up cognitive capacity for more challenging tasks. As Charles Duhigg highlights in "The Power of Habit," habits can turn actions into automatic routines, enhancing efficiency. However, they can also lead to stagnation, encouraging complacency. While some habits nurture growth, others may entrench negative cycles, stifling progress.
Understanding the dual nature of habits is essential. Self-awareness allows us to distinguish between constructive habits and those that anchor us to the past. By acknowledging this duality, we can intentionally shape our routines to align with our goals and aspirations.
Conscious Decision-Making
Although we may feel in control of our conscious decisions, numerous factors influence them. Emotions, personal values, beliefs, past experiences, stress, fatigue, time constraints, and cultural influences all play vital roles in shaping our choices. This underscores the significant impact of our environment on our decision-making.
Conscious decision-making engages higher cognitive functions, involving analytical thought and logical reasoning. It contrasts with automatic decision-making, which relies on heuristics and intuition. Conscious decisions require mental effort and focused attention, inviting a reflective approach to evaluate potential outcomes.
A hallmark of conscious decision-making is the consideration of personal values and long-term goals. Individuals assess how their choices align with their principles and overall well-being. This introspective nature distinguishes conscious decision-making from impulsive reactions.
Moreover, conscious decision-making empowers us to take charge of our lives. By fostering mindfulness, this approach encourages proactive engagement with complex decisions. Whether navigating professional choices or personal development, conscious decision-making serves as a guiding compass.
It is crucial to be aware of external factors influencing our decisions and to create a conducive environment for decision-making. Some individuals thrive under stress, while others may feel anxious, suggesting that removing oneself from such situations can lead to better outcomes.
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” — J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
This quote encapsulates my understanding of decision-making. As Maya Angelou wisely stated, “You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot — it’s all there. Everything influences each of us.” Our decisions are reflections of our experiences, filtered through our perspectives shaped by both consciousness and unconsciousness.
Chapter 2: The Decision-Making Process
In this chapter, we dive deeper into the mechanics of decision-making.
Why Should We Study Decision Making? - This video discusses the importance of understanding how we make choices and the implications for our lives.
The Decision Making Process - This video explores the various stages of decision-making and how we can improve our choices.