A500.4.3.RB - BALLET SLIPPERS OR ADORABLE?

“People who urge you to be realistic generally want you to accept their version of reality.” ~ Unknown

              It is of human nature for us to seek out our family, friends, colleagues, etc. whenever stressful situation materializes.  We become curious about what they feel and the choices they would carry out if they were in a similar position or situation.  We receive diverse insights from others and ultimately, we decipher our own determination.  Unfortunately, our decision making is hampered by the fog of human irrationality.  Fortunately, science has shown us that there are tricks and habits we can use to improve our judgments and better light the path ahead (Jarrett, n.d.).

Amir (2008) stated that:

The human mind is a remarkable device.  Nevertheless, it is not without limits.  Recently, a growing body of research has focused on a particular mental limitation, which has to do with our ability to use a mental trait known as executive function…It turns out, however that use of executive function -  a talent we all rely on throughout the day - draws upon a single resource-limited capacity in the brain.

A study conducted by psychologists at the University of Minnesota repeatedly demonstrated that the mere act of making a selection may deplete executive resources (Ameer, 2008).  Making decisions that may have serious repercussions are more exhausting for our brain than making decisions that have very low repercussions.  For example, choosing the best medical coverage out of three options for you and your family is more taxing than choosing the best color or style of a pair of shoes.  Electing the appropriate medical coverage that best fit for your family needs serious assessment.  We have to consider the premium rate, the annual deductible, annual maximum out of pocket, etc.  Meanwhile, deciding what color or style of shoes doesn’t take that much effort as long as we know that we have available funds to purchase it.  Besides, we can return the pair of shoes, if we happen to change our mind, in a couple of days or even within 30 days depending on the return policy of the establishment where the pair shoes were purchased.  With regard to medical coverage on the other hand, when we find out that our option was not the best fit for our family, we will have to wait until “open enrollment” before we can change our coverage option.

Experiments conducted by psychologist Anastasiya Pocheptsova and her colleagues suggested that our brain works like a muscle: when depleted, it becomes less effective…These deleterious carryover effects from a tired brain may have a strong shaping effect on our lives (Amir, 2008).

According to Jarrett (n.d.), some of the techniques that can help us improve our judgments are: a) phone a friend; b) be your own devil's advocate; c) squash your biases; d) stop thinking about it, and e) adopt an emotionally ambiguous attitude.  Jarrett (2016) further stated that further analysis by the researchers suggested the improved judgment accuracy was because people in an emotionally ambiguous state were more open-minded and receptive to useful information.  Human judgment is flawed but we don't have to be defeatist.

In the video, “The art of choosing”, filmed by TedGlobal, Iyengar (2010, 07:02) stated that when, in contrast, two or more individuals see their choices and their outcomes as intimately connected, then they may amplify one another’s success by turning the choosing process into a collective act.  To insist that they choose independently might actually compromise both their performance and relationship.  In a workplace setting, Iyengar’s concept makes perfect sense.  A leader and a follower's choice must be in alignment or connected so as to reinforce their personal and departmental success.  A good leader empowers his or her followers by allowing the followers to express their recommendations (choices) on a strategic way(s) to accomplish the department's goals and productivity.  I also concur with Iyenger’s assumption that it is a mistake to assume that everyone thrives under the pressure of choosing alone (Iyenger, 2010). 

In reality, many choices are things that are not that much different.  The value of a choice depends on our ability to perceive the differences between our options…When someone can't see how one choice is unlike another, or when there are too many choices to compare and contrast, the process of choosing can be confusing and frustrating…Choice no longer offers opportunities, but imposes constraints (Iyenger, 2010). 

Whenever we feel volatile and susceptible, it is more likely that our decisions will be influenced by the people that surround us.  Perhaps, the reason is that we need solace or are just panicked by the exploration of the new idea or stepping out of our comfort zone.  Never saying no to choices or options that are presented to us can sometimes be to our detriment.   

Literally speaking, Iyenger has been in a position every day where her choices are literally limited and has been dependent upon the people that surround her due to her inability to see.  The frustration that she must have felt when she literally cannot determine whether a "Ballet Slippers" or "Adorable " shades of nail polish is best for her skin tone.  Iyenger does not have much choice because of her disability as a blind person, yet she finds herself getting a different vantage point of view “observing the way” sighted people like us make our choices (Iyenger, 2010).  The choices that Iyenger makes every day through her disability not only affects her, but it certainly affects the people she encounters every day. 

We have to be cognizant of the way we impact each other.  The art of influencing others is very seldom selfless, that is why we have to be cautious of the power of suggestion so as to make determinations that best fit us.

References:

Amir, On (2008). Tough Choices: How Making Decisions Tires Your Brain. Scientific American. Retrieved from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/tough-choices-how-making/

Iyengar, Sheena (2010). The Art of Choosing. TEDGlobal 2010, 24:08, Filmed July 2010. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/sheena_iyengar_on_the_art_of_choosing?language=en

Jarrett, Christian (n.d.). Tough Choices: The Science Behind Making The Right Call. Empowering the Creative Community. Retrieve from http://99u.com/articles/18784/tough-choices-the-science-behind-making-the-right-call#comments

The Quote Archive. Tiny Buddha simple wisdom for complex lives. Retrieved from http://tinybuddha.com/wisdom-quotes/people-who-urge-you-to-be-realistic-generally-want-you-to-accept-their-version-of-reality/