Here’s a story from No More Dreaded Mondays:
You may know the medieval logic dilemma of the donkey that is placed equidistant from two piles of food of
equal size and quality—a perfectly symmetrical situation. If the behavior of the donkey were completely rational, it would have no reason to prefer one pile to the other; therefore, it could not decide which pile to eat first. So it would remain in its original position and starve to death. This dilemma is called “Buridan’s ass.”
I find many people immobilized by the challenge of choosing—even if both choices are attractive. Two great schools, two great jobs, two great business ideas. In my graduate psychology brainstorming groups, we would create what-if scenarios. What if the donkey, aware that he is starving, flips a coin to make a choice? which pile of food is heads and which is tails? Ah yes, another decision.
If you are looking at two opportunities, how do you ultimately make the decision? If you are considering moving to Denver or Miami, how do you make that call? If you have been accepted by Harvard and the Peace Corps, which will help you choose?
The trick is there aren’t two choices here, there are three: If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. It’s just as obvious a choice as either of the new options. So you may as well make it interesting by changing the scenery.
Remember this sequence for making a choice: (1) Clearly state the issue. (2) Get the advice and opinions of others. (3) List your options. (4) Choose the best option. (5) Act. And I recommend no more than two weeks for this process – no matter how big the decision.
Don’t be a donkey; you just might starve as a result of your indecision. And indecision in one area will cripple your effectiveness in all other areas.
Have you ever gotten stuck trying to make a decision?
I usually don’t struggle to make a decision. Instead I lose resolve as I follow through. New information causes me to question what I’ve decided. As a result, I change direction frequently and finish fewer projects than I could.
Harvey – knowing out own tendencies is the first step in changing results. Sounds like you’ve done that part.
Yes. I often try to reach a decision faster than my personality allows. I’m learning to push ahead as far as I can without making decisions that close off possibilities prematurely. I have to move before making final decisions.
What a powerful post–thank you, Dan. I’ve never heard this illustration before. I had never thought of the third option–not making a choice at all. That is in fact the worst option if there are two options in front of you. I really struggle with over-analyzing everything, and always wanting more information. But at some point, you gotta take action. Thanks for this helpful reminder.
Kent,
Yep – indecision is probably the most dangerous choice. I tend to be the ready – fire – aim kind of guy so my challenge is gathering enough information before making a decision. But I do like to know the options.
Thanks Dan, what a great post. I have lost great opportunities because of my inability to choose between two great options. I used to blame that on my “S” personality style. I really like your decision making process. It does make it a little easier to choose.
Thanks Thomas. I’m pretty intolerant of how indecision in one area erodes my effectiveness in all areas – so I tend to pull the trigger quickly.