Decisions

Clear Thinking: 6 key ideas

by Shane Parrish

The core ideas of Clear Thinking, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 6

   Defaults drive decisions

   Most bad decisions come from automatic reactions like ego, emotion or social pressure.

   Create space before reacting so you can choose.

2. IDEA 2 OF 6

   Strengthen your defaults

   Build habits and environments that make good choices automatic, so you need less willpower in the moment.

3. IDEA 3 OF 6

   Own the outcome

   Self-accountability means not blaming circumstances.

   Ask what you could have done differently.

4. IDEA 4 OF 6

   Watch your emotions

   Notice ego, fear and inertia when they show up.

   Naming them weakens their grip on decisions.

5. IDEA 5 OF 6

   Define the problem

   Many mistakes come from solving the wrong problem.

   Spend time clarifying what you are deciding.

6. IDEA 6 OF 6

   Build safety margins

   Plan for things going wrong.

   Leave room for error in time, money and assumptions.