Chapter 1: Understanding Decision-Making

Making decisions in life can be quite challenging. The vast array of options available, particularly for young individuals in free societies, can sometimes lead to feelings of being overwhelmed.

Photo: Adult Swim

Managing one’s life resembles the management of a company or a nation. It’s vital to consider various aspects of our lives, including our well-being (health), financial situation (personal economy), cultural experiences (social life, hobbies), and essential needs (nutrition, sleep, family time). With a background in Operations Research, I focus on how companies navigate decision-making in ever-changing environments. While my perspective tends to be analytical, I hope to share insights that resonate with you.

Life can indeed be viewed through the lens of optimization, where our choices aim to fulfill our objectives. However, it’s important to note that individual preferences play a crucial role in how we prioritize these objectives. For instance, some individuals prioritize family over career, which shapes their decision-making process. Striking a balance among these priorities can lead to what is known as a Pareto optimal life, where the individual determines their desired equilibrium. Additionally, preferences regarding this balance can evolve over time.

In this narrative, I will explore different types of decisions and introduce the "Council of Rick" approach.

Section 1.1: Types of Decisions

Life is dynamic, and what may seem like the best option today can change rapidly. Recognizing when to adapt is critical; otherwise, we risk turning a temporary "panic mode" into a prolonged crisis.

Decisions can be categorized into a hierarchy: operational, tactical, and strategic.

Illustrative relationship of different decision types in terms of the level of importance and timeframe. Figure by Alex Elkjær Vasegaard

Subsection 1.1.1: Strategic Decisions

Strategic decisions are those that seldom change and significantly influence the trajectory of our lives. These decisions can be viewed as long-term goals or visions we aspire to achieve. Given their importance, they deserve considerable thought and reflection. The frequency of such decisions tends to be higher during transitional periods, such as one's twenties.

During our formative years, external influences, such as parental guidance and societal expectations, significantly shape these choices, including education, career paths, and family planning.

Subsection 1.1.2: Tactical Decisions

Tactical decisions address the implementation of solutions to problems already recognized. They often arise when new information provides an advantage. These decisions tend to be more practical and are made more quickly than strategic ones.

In a business context, tactical decisions might involve restructuring or pricing changes, while in personal life, they could include adjustments to work-life balance or fitness routines.

Subsection 1.1.3: Operational Decisions

Operational decisions encompass the everyday choices that keep our lives functioning smoothly. This includes deciding whether to complete a task now, delay it, or forgo it entirely.

Subsection 1.1.4: Automatic Decisions

Automatic decisions often occur in corporate settings, where choices are made based on established protocols. In personal contexts, these might reflect ingrained habits or family values that guide our choices.

Photo aggregated by author. Photos: Adult Swim

Chapter 2: The Council-of-Rick Approach

Having discussed the various types of decisions, it’s essential to understand the methods employed in decision-making. For operational tasks, identifying your planning style and using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix can be beneficial. However, when it comes to strategic decisions, fewer frameworks exist.

The "Council-of-Rick" approach, inspired by the animated series Rick and Morty, can be applied to all decision types but is particularly useful for those requiring deep contemplation. In the show, Rick interacts with alternate versions of himself, collectively governing their choices. While we lack access to alternate realities, we can reflect on past versions of ourselves to inform our current decisions.

This method encourages consideration of past experiences when making significant choices. The opinions of our former selves can provide valuable insights, especially in uncertain situations.