Big Decisions
We all periodically are faced with big decisions. Right now many of our seniors are grappling with the decision to go to college, take a gap year, or some other option due to restrictions related to COVID. Some of our families and friends are trying to figure out will they stay in Thailand over the summer and hope to get a vaccine or head back to their home countries to get a vaccine. These are not easy decisions.
These big decisions can be life-changing, can be expensive, and can have last repercussions. Unfortunately, the process of thinking about, and in some cases obsessing about these decisions can cause additional stress. As one of these people trying to make a big decision right now, I can sympathize with everyone. Being a librarian, I went looking for ways to make big decisions.
Steven Levitt, an economist at the University of Chicago and author of Freakonomics, has conducted loads of research on this type of thing. As he reported in his recent work,
“the study does suggest that people who are on the margin of a tough decision — that is, people who really can’t decide which option is best — are probably better off going with change.” (Johnson)
Statistically, you should make the change. This is one of those great cases though where the research really probably will never produce the right answer. The research here, and most others, look a the level of satisfaction with having made the change or decision. I guess that makes sense, as one finalizes a decision and goes for it, it removes any stress about your decision. However, it does not recognize whether a decision turned out good or bad.
It’s just too individual a thing. Making decisions is tough, no matter it be a massive job change or just where to go get a vaccine. We all feel the stress. Knowing this maybe we can all be a bit more patient and understanding with each other as many are in the throes of decision making. Lookout and try to provide support for each other.
If you want to listen to the article by Steven Levitt, you can find the podcast at BigThink.
Johnson, Stephen. “‘Freakonomics’ Study Offers Simple Strategy for Making Tough Decisions.” Big Think, Big Think, 26 May 2020, bigthink.com/personal-growth/decision-making-process?rebelltitem=3#rebelltitem3. Accessed 21 May 2021.
Bell’s Recommendation:
The Ministry for the Future – by Kim Stanley Robinson
In the near future, global warming catches up with us. The planet heats, ruining crops, killing species at a more rapid pace, and we decided to react too late. Robinson is well known for his Sci-Fi books. This book is just a bit too close to home. It attempts to include an UN-style response to events. It also focuses on how countries are forced to change when they really can’t as well as why the countries producing the largest amount of greenhouse gases failed to see their folly. It also moves from a global perspective to one of a doctor on the ground in the most horrible of situations – think submerging yourself in a lake that is nearly boiling because it is cooler than the air outside. There are dystopic books and then there are books like this that just might scare us to action.
