THE DECISION SERIES: THE EYE OF THE STORM

The ability to make informed decisions is an essential life skill that is key to having more successful outcomes, achieving better long term wellbeing and the feeling of increasing agency in one's life. To be able to make informed decisions, one must be able to analyse the situation/data, apply critical thinking and problem solve/learn from the experience.

In an ideal world, we would have an infinite amount of time and resources to go through this process until we are able to find and justify the single, objectively best decision.

However, the difficulty of this process occurs when one considers that the reality is we don't live in an ideal world. There exists very real emotional, social and time pressures, all occuring in real time, simultaneously.

A perfect storm of chaos, emotions, anxiety and uncertainty.

It can be easy to give in and get caught up in the force of the storm. A state of mania, irrationality and panic. Because you are absolutely right. The storm is dangerous. The storm is powerful. The storm is uncontrollable...

It is exactly that, uncontrollable.

A whirlwind of factors that are dangerous and powerful but completely outside of our own control.

So why dedicate our attention, energy and resources to factors that are outside of our control? This only makes our decision making and survival in the raging storm harder.

Block out the distractions and emotions.

Stay calm and collected.

Focus on yourself.

Focus on what you can control.

Focus on the problem.

Focus on the solution.

Regardless of the category, intensity, size and location of the storm. The calmest part of the storm is always within the eye of the storm. This also applies to the problems we face in our lives. Whether it is sports, the stock market, love, career, health and/or life and death situations, we will experience hardships and major decisions.

These difficulties threaten to sweep us off our feet into a downward spiral of bad decisions and overwhelming emotions. Which is why we must persevere, be resolute and centre ourselves in the eye of the chaos that we are experiencing.

This is the state of mind that will allow us to consistently make informed decisions regardless of the circumstances. Keep in mind this doesn't necessary mean that we will always make the best optimal decisions, but we will at least avoid the disastrous ones.

UNDERSTAND THE CHAOTIC STORM OF LIFE

FIND THE EYE OF THE STORM

SURVIVE AND KEEP MOVING

While it is calmest in the eye of the storm. The eye itself is constantly moving. This means that we must be decisive, vigilant and not fall complacent because at any moment we can find ourselves on the edge of the storm where the winds and conditions are the roughest.

Just as in life, that it can be tempting to seek shelter in procrasination, distraction and indecision when faced with great adversity. Devastation, suffering and chaos will be slow but inevitable through these actions.

Be decisive.

Keep surviving.

Keep making informed decisions.

Keep learning.

READ THE WEATHER FORECAST AND AVOID THE STORMS

While it is inevitable that we cannot avoid every storm. We can definitely minimise our exposure to these dangerous conditions with the right preparations.

This is the same with the chaos, stress and pressures of life. Which are more predictable and obvious than most people will admit.

Why expose ourselves to these dangerous conditions more than we need to?

Whether it is people, work, environments, hobbies, vices, habits or even family. The more unnecessary storms we expose ourselves to, the more difficult it is to make informed decisions and cultivate a lifestyle that is healthy, peaceful and meaningful.

Read the weather forecast and avoid the storms!