How To Improve Your Decision Making Skills?

Why Good Decisions Matter?

Every day, we make hundreds of decisions—from what to eat for breakfast to big choices like changing jobs. But how to improve your decision making skills is something many people struggle with.

Good decision-making helps you:
✅ Save time – No more overthinking!
✅ Avoid mistakes – Make choices you won’t regret.
✅ Feel more confident – Trust yourself to pick the best option.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or CEO, learning how to improve your decision making skills will make life easier. Let’s break it down step by step!

7 Simple Ways to Improve Your Decision Making Skills

1. Pause and Take a Deep Breath

Why it works: When we rush, we make mistakes. Stopping for just 10 seconds helps clear your mind.

How to do it:

If you’re feeling stressed, close your eyes.
Take 3 slow breaths.
Ask yourself: “What’s the best choice right now?”

Example:

For kids: Can’t decide between two games? Breathe first, then pick.
For adults: About to send an angry email? Pause, rethink, then reply calmly.

2. Ask: “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?”

Why it works: Fear makes small problems seem huge. This question helps you see the real risk.

How to do it:

Imagine the worst possible outcome.
Ask: “Is this really that bad?”
Then think: “What’s the BEST that could happen?”

Example:

For kids: Scared to try the big slide? Worst case: You might slide fast (but you’ll be fine!). Best case: You’ll have fun!
For adults: Nervous to ask for a raise? Worst case: Your boss says no. Best case: You get more money!

3. Be a Detective – Gather Information

Why it works: Good decisions need good facts.

How to do it:

Look for clues: What do you already know?
Ask an expert: Who can help? (Parents, teachers, friends)
Check past choices: What worked before?

Example:

For kids: Choosing a book? Read the back cover first.
For adults: Buying a car? Compare prices and read reviews.

How To Improve Your Decision Making Skills?

4. Play the “Pros and Cons” Game

Why it works: Writing things down makes choices clearer.

How to do it:

Draw a line down a paper.
On one side, write Pros (Good Things).
On the other, write Cons (Bad Things).

Example:

Pros	Cons
Fun to play with	Might break
Fits in my bag	Costs $20

Decision made! If the Pros side has more points, it’s probably a good choice.

5. Use the “10-10-10 Rule”

Why it works: Some choices feel big now but won’t matter later.

How to do it:
Ask:

How will I feel in 10 minutes?
What about in 10 months?
Will this matter in 10 years?

Example:

For kids: Should I eat all my candy now?
- 10 minutes: Happy!
- 10 months: Won’t remember.
- 10 years: No effect.
For adults: Should I take a new job?
- 10 minutes: Nervous.
- 10 months: Could be great!
- 10 years: Might change your career.

6. Learn from Mistakes (It’s Okay!)

Why it works: Every “oops” makes you smarter.

How to do it:

Admit the mistake. (“I stayed up too late and was tired.”)
Fix it next time. (“I’ll go to bed earlier.”)
Give yourself credit for trying!

Example:

For kids: Spilled juice? Clean it up and be careful next time.
For adults: Bought something you didn’t need? Return it or sell it.

7. Celebrate Good Choices!

Why it works: Your brain loves rewards—it will make better choices again!

How to do it:

For kids: High-five yourself or do a happy dance!
For adults: Treat yourself to coffee or share your win with a friend.

Example:

Finished homework early? Play a game!
Made a smart money choice? Save the extra cash.

3 Big Decision-Making Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Rushing – Fast choices often lead to mistakes. (Example: Buying the first toy you see.)
❌ Copying Others – Just because your friend likes it doesn’t mean you will.
❌ Ignoring Your Gut – If something feels wrong, stop and think.