Solve Problems Fast And Easy Using These Models

First, make sure it’s a reversible decision. Irreversible decisions are difficult or impossible to undo. They are one-way doors. Big choices, like a major, a career, a home or vehicle purchase. Whereas reversible decisions are low-risk and adjustable. They are relatively easy to undo. This could be choosing a temporary course to explore a topic or trying out a new diet or exercise regimen. They do not require such careful analysis. If you want to make high-stakes decisions and solve high-level problems, use the set of models cherry-picked for their analytical prowess. These will only suffice for reversible decisions. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Leverage common knowledge. Shared facts and principles. Stuff everybody knows. Things widely accepted by experts and/or peers. Reduce analysis time this way. When the decision aligns with well-established, tried-and-tested practices, or universal truths, you can act confidently without overthinking it. If, on the other hand, you veer far from the norm, you might want to think further.

The normal distribution helps you quickly identify the most likely outcome for a given decision. Instead of obsessing over edge cases, concentrate on the probable solutions and their consequences. Those that fall within the “average” range of the bell curve. Streamline your decision-making and problem-solving process this way. “Average” things happen at an “average” rate. That is, most of the time.

Use the philosophical razors. Hanlon’s razor advises against attributing to malice what is explainable by ignorance or error. Humans don’t mean to do you injustice. They are human. They make stupid mistakes. There’s no need to overanalyze intent. Assume simple, honest mistakes rather than complex motives. Occam’s razor is a reminder: the simplest explanation or solution is the best one when multiple options exist. Save time by concentrating on straightforward paths. There is no need to overcomplicate the choice with unnecessary variables. It is, after all, reversible.

Use proxies to get information fast. These are indirect measures or indicators. Readily available information. Instead of doing a thorough restaurant analysis, look at the amount of customers as a proxy. Decide quickly without extensive research.

Don’t forget that decisions, no matter how trivial, come with trade-offs. Opportunity cost. By acting quickly on reversible decisions, you maximize your outcomes. This is because you minimize time lost to deliberation which should be reserved to high-stakes issues. Free up those resources for what matters. A fast decision about that meeting agenda gives you time to strategically plan out a marketing campaign. Don’t waste energy where it is unneeded.

At the same time, be sure you aren’t just acting quickly, but acting right. Balance speed and direction. Don’t climb the wrong ladder, else you’ll have to climb down and adjust. Ensure that your fast decisions still align with long-term goals. Concentrate on maintaining momentum without veering off course. There’s no need to overanalyze a one-off meal at a restaurant on a diet. But if the one-off meal is a second, third, fourth occurrence this week, something has to change. Stay true to your objective.

Because five-whys is so simple and fast, you can use it on quick decision-making as well. Addressing the root problem doesn’t necessarily mean spending lots of time. Ask “Why?” five times. Even if the decision is rapid, this should reveal to you whether it solves the core issue effectively or not. You can also throw in an impact-effort matrix. Prioritize the decisions with the biggest benefit and least investment. The largest impact-effort ratio. High-impact, low-effort choices that can be adjusted are no-brainers. Make them fast.