MAKING DECISIONS BASED ON YOUR STATE - By Matt Grady
Jul 12, 2023
Human beings are complex creatures, constantly bombarded with a multitude of decisions throughout our lives. From choosing what to wear in the morning to making career-defining choices, our decision-making process is heavily influenced by our internal state. Our state refers to our emotions, physical sensations, thoughts, and overall well-being. In this blog, we will explore the fascinating relationship between our state and decision-making, uncovering the reasons why we make decisions based on our internal state.
THE MIND:BODY CONNECTION
The mind and body are intimately interconnected, and our decisions are not exempt from this relationship. Our state impacts our decision-making by influencing our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. For example, when we are feeling anxious, our thoughts may become more negative and distorted, leading to different decision outcomes compared to when we are in a state of calmness and clarity.
EMOTIONAL INFLUENCE
Emotions play a significant role in shaping our decisions. When we are in a positive emotional state, such as feeling happy or excited, we tend to make choices that reflect optimism and openness to risk. On the other hand, negative emotions like fear or sadness can lead to more cautious and risk-averse decisions. Our emotional state acts as a lens through which we perceive and evaluate options, often guiding us towards decisions that align with our current emotional state.
COGNITIVE BIASES
Our internal state can contribute to cognitive biases, which are systematic errors in our thinking process. Biases such as confirmation bias, availability heuristic, and framing effects can sway our decision-making, leading to suboptimal choices. For instance, when we are feeling anxious, we may be more susceptible to confirmation bias, seeking information that confirms our fears rather than considering a broader range of perspectives.
PHYSICAL WELLBEING
Our physical state, including factors like fatigue, hunger, or illness, can significantly impact our decision-making abilities. Research has shown that decision fatigue, which occurs when we have made multiple decisions over a period of time, can deplete our cognitive resources and lead to impulsive or irrational choices. Similarly, being hungry or sleep-deprived can impair our judgment and make us more prone to making hasty decisions without considering the long-term consequences.
SELF-AWARENESS AND REFLECTION
Recognizing and understanding our internal state is crucial for effective decision-making. By cultivating self-awareness, we can develop a deeper understanding of our emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations. This awareness allows us to evaluate whether our current state is influencing our decision-making process and to make conscious adjustments when necessary. Engaging in reflective practices, such as journaling or meditation, can help us gain insights into the relationship between our state and our decisions.
Our decisions are not made in a vacuum but are profoundly influenced by our internal state. The mind-body connection, emotional influence, cognitive biases, and physical well-being all intertwine to shape the choices we make. Acknowledging and understanding these influences can empower us to make more informed and balanced decisions. By cultivating self-awareness, practicing mindfulness, and considering our state, we can enhance our decision-making abilities and lead more fulfilling lives. Remember, the power of our state lies in our hands, and by harnessing it effectively, we can navigate life's choices with greater wisdom and clarity.
FREE TRAINING
On July 27th, between 10:30 UK and 1:30pm we are running a free training session on zoom called The Inner Game of High Performance. In this Free Training you will learn the shifts you can make TODAY in order to operate at your full potential in business and life. Click the link below to register.
Written by:
Matt Grady - Coaching Director, Master Coach and Former Professional Golfer (PGA).
JPDV – Mental Performance Coaching
