How To Stop Making Convenient Decisions And Start Making The Right Ones
CRITICAL THINKING & DECISION-MAKING
2 min read
Understanding The Convenience Trap
(1) The Convenience Temptation:
• Meaning: The convenience temptation refers to the inclination to choose the easiest and quickest option, often at the expense of what is truly right or beneficial in the long run.
• Importance: It saves time and effort in the short term, but it can lead to missed opportunities, regrets, and a sense of unfulfillment in the long term.
(2) Instant Gratification:
• Meaning: Instant gratification is the desire for immediate rewards and pleasures rather than delaying gratification for a more significant, but often more challenging, long-term gain.
• Importance: It provides immediate satisfaction, but it can hinder personal growth, achievement of goals, and long-term happiness.
(3) Fear Of Uncertainty:
• Meaning: The fear of uncertainty is the aversion to making decisions that involve an unknown outcome, even if they might be the right choices.
• Importance: It offers a sense of security in the short term, but it limits personal and professional growth and the pursuit of new opportunities.
(4) Social Influence:
• Meaning: Social influence refers to the impact of peer pressure and societal norms on decision-making, often leading individuals to choose what's popular or accepted, rather than what's right for them.
• Importance: It fosters a sense of belonging and conformity, but it can stifle individuality, creativity, and self-discovery.
Overcoming The Convenience Trap
(1) Proper Evaluation: Start by evaluating your choices and decisions. Consider the long-term consequences and the potential benefits of making the right decision, even if it requires more effort.
(2) Proper Patience: Embrace the concept of delayed gratification. Understand that some decisions might not yield immediate rewards but can lead to more significant gains in the future.
(3) Proper Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your values, goals, and aspirations. Recognize the influence of social pressures and question whether they align with your authentic self.
Practical Example
Let's take the example of a person who is currently working as a software engineer, but they are interested in a career as a YouTuber for better understanding.
(1) Proper Evaluation:
• Situation: The software engineer is not sure what type of YouTube channel they would like to create or what skills they would need.
• Solution: They research different types of YouTube channels and talk to YouTubers about their jobs. They learn that there are many different types of YouTube channels, such as gaming channels, educational channels, and comedy channels. They also learn that there are many different skills that are required for different types of YouTube channels, such as video editing, writing, and public speaking.
(2) Proper Patience:
• Situation: The software engineer knows that it will take time and effort to build up an audience on YouTube. They may not be able to make a full-time living as a YouTuber right away.
• Solution: They are willing to put in the work and be patient because they are passionate about creating videos. They start creating videos in their spare time and they also start networking with other YouTubers.
(3) Proper Self-Reflection:
• Situation: The software engineer is not sure if their values and goals align with a career as a YouTuber.
• Solution: They reflect on their values and goals. They want to have a career that allows them to be creative and to express themselves. They also want to have a career that is flexible and that allows them to work from home.