Saw the quote in the picture above sometime in the past and recently pondered on it while I went through the countless screenshots of great quotes on my phone. This quote brought many thoughts to my mind, one of which is this - How possible is it that someone could make better decisions in life? I asked myself because I wanted to start making much more better decisions. While I trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I recognize that critical thinking and decision-making skills are essential for making better decisions. Just like any other skill, honing one’s abilities is crucial even with divine assistance.
In the ever-changing landscape of life, decision-making plays a crucial role in shaping our personal and professional lives. The ability to make wise choices is a skill that can be honed with practice and the right mindset. One approach to decision-making that can help guide us towards a future with fewer regrets is the path of least regret. This framework encourages us to evaluate our options based on the potential long-term consequences and choose the option that, even if it doesn't go as planned, minimizes the chances of regret.
I think of it this way - Given two or more choices, which decision would I come to regret the least in the future, even if it turned out to go badly? (Note that one option when considering the anticipated regret is to do nothing.)
Allow me to share a personal story that illustrates the power of the path of least regret. Few years ago, I found myself at a crossroad in my career. I had decided to quit my job without knowing what my next move would be. During this uncertain period, I took time to think about several things I could start doing. I thought about venturing into another career or entrepreneurship. I thought of the survival chances I had. While lost in thoughts on one of my drive home from work, I stumbled on a radio programme where the host and guests were discussing a fascinating study on REGRET. The research revealed that about 76% of participants in the research felt the most regret for the things they did not do. I could not believe what I was hearing. I couldn't wrap my head around that. Being a business and data analyst, it was a cause for concern knowing fully well how this would have affected the lives of the participants in the study over the years and the extrapolated impact on several other people in the real world. This opened my eyes to a new phenomenon - REGRET. Considering my own case, I realized that I was about to fall into the same trap. I reflected on my situation - Practically, I was overwhelmed by the fear of making the wrong decision and the resultant futures that could result from either decisions I choose to make - whether it was going to be a wrong decision or the right one, I knew that only the future could tell. I felt confused and incapacitated by the multitude of factors at play, unable to choose a clear direction but with this new information, clarity was on its way.
When I am faced with decisions - the consequences of which are impossible to predict, this has become the number one question I ask myself. Which decision would I come to regret the least in the future, even if it turned out to go badly? Inspired by the radio programme, I decided to embrace the concept of the path of least regret. Although I didn't know it was called path of least regret then, I came to know about the path of least regret when I was researching into the topic from the radio programme.
I understood that the regret we often experience stems from the opportunities we let slip away, rather than the mistakes we make in embracing such opportunities. It looked as if I had scales fall off my eyes. I realized that with this mindset shift, I could liberate myself from the burden of perfection and simplify my decision-making process.
I believe this also works for trivial decisions: What will I regret more? Going out tonight or staying in? Reading my book or watching a YouTube video or even Netflix? Staying up to pray or sleeping? While I am not always that diligent enough to act based on what I know would lead to experiencing less regret, at least I know I have been able to exercise my will based on knowledge.
In this article, I thought to share on how embracing the path of least regret can assist Nigerian professionals in making better choices and fostering foresight
1.Embracing the Mindset of Foresight:
Foresight is the foundation upon which the path of least regret is built. It involves envisioning possible outcomes and understanding the potential implications of our decisions. By cultivating the mindset of foresight, Nigerian professionals can better evaluate their options and anticipate potential regrets before making a choice. Foresight empowers us to identify potential pitfalls, evaluate risks, and consider alternative paths.
2.Weighing the Options:
When faced with multiple choices, it is essential to thoroughly assess each option's potential consequences. The path of least regret urges us to consider the long-term impact of our decisions, even in unfavorable outcomes. This involves evaluating the potential benefits, risks, and trade-offs associated with each alternative. By taking a holistic view and considering all possible outcomes, we can make decisions with a reduced likelihood of future regret.
3.Anticipating the Regret of Inaction:
One crucial aspect of the path of least regret is acknowledging the potential regret of doing nothing. Inaction in itself is an action. In some cases, the fear of making the wrong decision can paralyze us into inaction. However, inaction can lead to missed opportunities and later regrets. By recognizing the regret we may experience if we choose not to take action, we can motivate ourselves to evaluate our options more objectively and make a proactive choice.
4.Seeking Information and Advice:
Making informed decisions is key to minimizing regrets. As leaders and professionals, we can proactively seek relevant information, research, and expert opinions to enhance our understanding of the available options. This could involve conducting market research, seeking advice from mentors or industry professionals, or consulting with trusted colleagues. A well-informed decision is more likely to withstand the test of time and reduce the chances of future regrets.
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5.Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity:
Despite our best efforts, not all decisions will yield the desired outcomes. However, the path of least regret encourages us to view failures - failed attempts - as valuable learning opportunities rather than sources of deep regret. By adopting a growth mindset and focusing on the lessons learned from past experiences, we can navigate future choices with increased wisdom and resilience. This mindset shift can help us as professionals make better decisions by reducing the fear of failure and embracing the potential for growth.
While all I have said above helps in decision making, here is a caveat to this approach. Making major life decisions based on your personal anticipated regret ONLY may not be appropriate if others rely on you. If you have a family, fiancé, parents or colleagues who rely on you or even future generations, you need to consider them when thinking of your decision. Once I started my family, I had to weigh other constraints and consider the consequences of my actions for others with much more thoughts and deliberation.
In Conclusion, considering the dynamic nature of our personal and professional lives, the ability to make better decisions remains a valuable skill and key in achieving greatness in our various lives. The path of least regret offers a framework that can guide individuals in evaluating options and making choices with a reduced likelihood of future regrets. By embracing the mindset of foresight, considering all possible outcomes, acknowledging the regret of inaction, seeking information, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity, we can navigate the complexities of decision-making with increased confidence and clarity.
By following the path of least regret, individuals can pave the way for a future that is enriched with better choices and minimal regrets.
The next time you feel overwhelmed, disturbed and confused by a tough decision – or when you try to make yourself not to eat that second piece of cake because you are on your weight loss journey or not to watch a movie because you have to write an exam soon - imagine how your future self would reflect on your choices.
What would lead the older "you" to have lived the life of least regret?
Thank you
