Make Better Choices, Instantly
Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work
by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Self-Help/Business/Psychology
TL;DR
This book is your ultimate guide to not making dumb decisions. It gives you a simple, four-step framework called WRAP. First, Widen Your Options – stop thinking it's just A or B, there's always more. Second, Reality-Test Your Assumptions – don't just guess, actually check if your ideas are true. Third, Attain Distance Before Deciding – chill out and don't make big calls when you're emotional. Finally, Prepare to Be Wrong – think about what could go sideways and what success looks like. It's all about practical steps to avoid decision paralysis and regret, helping you make smarter moves in your career, relationships, and life.
Action Items
Pick one decision you're stuck on right now. Instead of just two options, force yourself to brainstorm at least three new, wilder options. Write them down, even if they sound dumb.
Got an assumption about someone or something? Instead of just stewing, take one tiny, real-world step to check it. Text that friend, Google that weird symptom, or try a 15-minute free trial of that app you think you'll hate.
If you're feeling super emotional about a decision (good or bad), hit pause. Go do something totally unrelated for 30 minutes – scroll TikTok, walk around the block, listen to music. Then, revisit it. For big stuff, just sleep on it.
Pick one decision you're facing. Spend 5 minutes thinking: 'What's the absolute worst that could happen, and what would I do then?' Then spend 5 minutes thinking: 'What's the absolute best that could happen, and how would I make that happen?'
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Key Chapter
Chapter - Reality-Testing Your Bullshit (aka Reality-Test Your Assumptions)
This chapter is all about stopping your brain from making up stories and actually checking if your assumptions are, like, real. We all do it: we assume that new job will suck, or that person hates us, or that idea is too crazy. But instead of just vibing with your gut feeling, the book pushes you to get off your ass and gather some actual data. It's about running tiny experiments, talking to people who've been there, or even just doing a quick Google search instead of letting your internal monologue spiral. Basically, don't just assume your pizza will be cold; open the box and check, fam.
Key Methods and Approaches
Don't Be a One-Trick Pony
(AKA: Widen Your Options)
Description:
Stop thinking you only have two crappy options. There's always more than 'yes' or 'no,' 'this' or 'that.'
Explanation:
Your brain's like a broken vending machine, only offering two sad, stale options. This method is about kicking the machine until more snacks fall out. It's about forcing yourself to brainstorm beyond the obvious, like asking 'What else could I do?' or 'Who else has solved this problem differently?' Don't just pick between 'stay at this shitty job' or 'quit and be broke.' What about 'find a better job,' 'start a side hustle,' or 'negotiate a raise'?
Examples:
Instead of 'Should I go to college or not?', think 'What are all the ways I can get skills and make money without drowning in debt?'
Instead of 'Should I break up or stay in this toxic relationship?', think 'What are all the ways I can improve this, or find a better one, or just focus on myself for a bit?'
Instead of 'Should I buy this expensive thing or not?', think 'What are all the ways I can get what I need, save money, or earn more to afford it comfortably?'
Today's Action:
Pick one decision you're stuck on right now. Instead of just two options, force yourself to brainstorm at least three new, wilder options. Write them down, even if they sound dumb.
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