Life is a long sequence of decisions, from the simplicity of brewing the morning coffee to the complexity of major milestones. In each moment, we strive to choose the clarity of wisdom over impulsivity. According to the pros, the best way to navigate decisions is through a step-by-step process: identify the problem or goal, gather the facts, and brainstorm your options. Then, you weigh the pros and cons, pick the best option, and implement it! Just remember to take some time for reflection to see if the outcome was what you desired–that’s how you evaluate and learn for the next time; and be prepared, sometimes the best growth comes through failure.

The snag is that it’s easy to be uninformed or get impulsive, which usually leads to a “what was I thinking?” moment. Think of it like Edward Tolman’s famous rat mazes (often associated with the groundwork for B.F. Skinner’s conditioning). These little rodents navigated mazes using a reward system (through successive approximations) of food pellets until they eventually built a “cognitive map” of the right path through the maze from start to finish.

In a way, our daily choices are just like those twists and turns found in a maze. If we move uninformed or chase a quick “reward” without thinking, we might wake up one day realizing we’ve spent a lot of time heading in the wrong direction. A few pieces of cheese are great for a rat, but you’re the one holding the map! Rather than being swayed by what is popular or new, lead with wisdom; a more deliberate approach ensures informed decisions that protect you from unnecessary headaches or even some heartaches.

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