The Power Of Slow Decisions In A Fast-Paced World

Read time: 3 minutes

How second-order thinking can turn your choices into strategic victories.

Ever rushed through a decision you later regretted?

That simple 'yes' or 'no', that suddenly turns into a ‘what have I done?’.

What if you could sidestep the decision landmines before they explode?

Let’s uncover the secret to transforming impulsive choices into strategic victories.

The Speed Trap

Speed. It's the currency of the modern world.

Decisions on the fly feel efficient, necessary even. You've ticked off a box, moved forward.

But what about the ripples that spread out from that point?

Here’s where second-order thinking comes in.

It’s the high ground that gives you the full view, the clarity to see beyond the immediate yes.

Beyond First Impressions

Most people are first-order thinkers. They consider only the immediate next step.

Think of a chess player focused on one move at a time. It’s quick, it’s straightforward.

But the real game begins with the subsequence moves.

Second-order thinking is about the chain of moves that follow. What comes after the quick solution?

It's not just about moving a piece on the board. It's predicting your opponent's next moves, planning your counter-strategies.

This isn't just chess; it's life.

Think like a chess grandmaster. Every move you make, what’s the ripple effect?

What countermove does it provoke? What does each decision set in motion?

From Reflex to Reflection

First-order thinking says, "I'm bored, let's check social media." It's a quick fix for boredom.

Second-order thinking takes a step back: "If I always scroll through social media when bored, I will waste valuable time and impact my mental well-being. I should pick up a book, hobby or craft instead." This approach considers the longer-term effects of frequent social media use.

But how do you apply this thinking to your daily life?

The 10-10-10 Strategy

Meet your decision-making ally: the 10-10-10 Rule.

Popularised by Suzy Welch, this rule reshapes how we approach decisions. Simple in concept, profound in impact.

Think about any decision you face: “How will I feel about this decision in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years?”

This isn't just about the immediate aftermath or the near future. It's a long game view. It's asking, 'And then what?' and projecting that far into your future. It's a vision of the broader journey, with all its potential twists and outcomes.

This approach helps you to think about the long term impact of recurring daily decisions. Where do your habits lead you?

Consider reviewing your daily decisions.

Draw four columns. In the first, jot down your daily decisions. Label the next columns: 1st Order (10 minutes), 2nd Order (10 months), 3rd Order (10 years). Start filling them out. What happens immediately after the decision? What follows next? And then what? This opens your eyes to the long-term consequences of small daily decisions. Which will help you to decide to continue, adjust, or stop.

A Guide for Tough Decisions

But what about the tougher decisions?

Well, try this. Take a tough decision. Put it at the top of the page. Now, draw three columns. Label them: 1st Order (10 minutes), 2nd Order (10 months), 3rd Order (10 years). Start filling them out. What happens first? Then what? And after that? This is your map. It shows you where your decision leads.

In Conclusion

Your decisions are more than just moments. They're the plot points of your life story.

• First-order thinking is quick, second-order is deep.
• The 10-10-10 rule is your lens for the long view.
• Every decision has layers. Peel them back.

Simple actions, profound outcomes. Think long to act strong.

To making a difference,

Dr Yannick