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Create Space Between Emotion and Action so that you can Make the Best Decision
People mostly make decisions based on emotion and then rationalize the decision after the fact.
The Biden administration has been stubbornly tone-deaf about the outrage and disappointment that many Americans feel about the disintegration of the Afghan government and the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan after we spent 20 years and over $2 trillion, suffering over 2300 US service members killed in action and thousands wounded.
The President has been steadfast in his decision to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan and has defended it fiercely as the meltdown unfolded. The generals talk about working with the Taliban to help American citizens get out of the country. Diplomats whisper about recognizing a new Taliban-heavy government.
Many Americans are furious about all of it, and the administration’s explanations and rationalizations seem to dig the hole deeper. Unless the administration acknowledges the emotions of so many Americans, they’ll be unable to rally them for the difficult choices ahead.
As an expert business owner, you face tough choices all of the time. The stakes are different, but the emotions are genuine: fear about starting or growing your business, anger at a partner that let you down, joy at gaining a new client and supporter, anxiety about investing in yourself, joy at seeing your clients get to new heights.
Emotions affect your judgment. People mostly make decisions based on emotion and then rationalize the decision after the fact. Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman shows how this process can lead to major errors.
Here’s what to do when you’re facing a challenging decision.
1. Label the emotion that you feel: anger, sadness, joy, contentment, surprise, fear, confusion, among others.
2. Identify the circumstances that are driving each emotion.
3. Develop options to get to your goals.
4. Decide which one is best and act on it.
Creating space between emotion and action, in action:
I’m concerned that an investment in my business won’t pay off (fear of wasting time and money). The best way to reach my goals and shorten my path to success is by getting the right support. Here are ways to do that: A, B, C.
Which one has the best potential payoff at the lowest risk?
BOOM! You got this!
What’s your top takeaway? Please share your thoughts!
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