Decisions, Decoded

While video conferencing with a friend who runs a quaint phone and computer repair shop nestled in the heart of downtown Portland, we fell deep into conversation about the intricate art of decision-making. As we exchanged thoughts and made a list of items we considered important to the process of our own decision-making, the air was thick with ideas and the occasional clatter of tools from the workbenches behind him.

Suddenly, from the back room, Huang's mom, a sprightly lady who I know for her sharp wit and traditional wisdom and who was hanging off our every word, called out in her melodious voice, echoing a Chinese proverb that had shaped generations: "When you drink the water, remember the spring."

That sang to us, interjecting our entrepreneurial musings and bringing a moment of clarity. It was a vivid reminder from the past, urging us to acknowledge the roots and foundational values that guide our choices. This applied to the very conversation we were having about making decisions, as we affirmed that you have to make them based on a firm grasp of your current reality.

Better decisions begin when you...

1. Gather Information Responsibly:

   Informed decisions are more likely to be effective and beneficial. The more information you have about your options, the better equipped you are to evaluate them. Take a serious approach to it.
   Practice active research. Before making a decision, spend time gathering relevant information. This can include consulting experts, reading up on the subject, or analyzing data. Keep an open mind and be prepared to discover new insights that might influence your decision.
   

2. Analyze Your Risks and Benefits:

   Understanding the potential risks and benefits associated with each option helps you weigh them against each other more effectively. It allows for a more balanced approach and helps to mitigate potential negative outcomes.
   Create a pros-and-cons list for each option. Additionally, consider using decision-making tools like SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to gain a deeper understanding of each option.
   

3. Listen and Tune Your Intuition:

   Sometimes, your gut feelings can guide you towards a decision that logic alone might not. Intuition can be particularly valuable in situations where you have experience but can't quite articulate the reasoning behind your choice.
   Develop mindfulness through practices like meditation or reflective journaling. This can enhance your ability to tune into your intuitive senses and trust your gut feelings.
   

4. Seek a Diversity of Perspectives:

   Consulting with others can provide new viewpoints and uncover blind spots in your thinking. It introduces diversity of thought, which can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.
   Actively seek out opinions from people with different backgrounds and expertise. Encourage open discussions and be willing to listen without judgment.
   

5. Consider the Long-Term Impact:

   Decisions can have long-lasting effects, so it's important to consider not just the immediate outcomes but also how they will affect the future. This helps in aligning decisions with your long-term goals and values.
   Practice forward-thinking by envisioning where you or your project want to be in 5, 10, or even 20 years. Assess how each decision aligns with this vision. Scenario planning can also be a useful technique here.

The better informed you are, the stronger the decisions; the more consistent the decision-making, the more fertile the soil for your enterprise’s growth. "When you drink the water, remember the spring" (饮水思源, yǐn shuǐ sī yuán) emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the source of one's benefits. This proverb is often interpreted as a reminder to be grateful and to remember where and how the things we enjoy and benefit from came to be. It encourages an attitude of thankfulness and recognition of the origins of our prosperity or advantages: consistently better decisions.

These five points are a good springboard for your decision-making. Once you’ve practiced these consistently, the lesson is mastered, and you can expand your knowledge with other decision-making systems. This is a simple, repeatable base but one that many forget to turn into a habit.

Venture forth!

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