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This Working Life
Making decisions like a pro
Jan 5, 2025
Ellen Langer, a Harvard psychology professor and author of The Mindful Body, dives into the art of decision-making. She explores the staggering number of choices we face daily and offers insights on reducing decision-related stress. The discussion unveils how personal perceptions influence workplace stress and highlights the transformative journey of redefining careers later in life. Additionally, the interplay between emotions and choices is examined, with a focus on using mindfulness to navigate regret and enhance personal growth.
25:16
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Quick takeaways
- Ellen Langer emphasizes that viewing mistakes as enriching experiences can transform decision-making into a more relaxed and fulfilling process.
- Instead of fixating on perfect choices, individuals should acknowledge missed opportunities as a source of deeper regret, shaping a healthier decision-making perspective.
Deep dives
Embracing Decision-Making Mistakes
Making decisions often involves navigating perceived mistakes, which can lead to surprisingly positive outcomes. Ellen Langer emphasizes that rather than viewing errors as failures, individuals should recognize that what is labeled a mistake can add depth and interest to choices, much like in the creative process of art. She argues that when faced with equally appealing options, one should simply choose randomly instead of overanalyzing, as the stress comes primarily from the belief that one must make the perfect decision. This perspective not only alleviates pressure but also fosters a more relaxed approach to decision-making.
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