Big Think
The CIA method for making quick decisions under stress | Andrew Bustamante
May 15, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Bustamante, a former CIA intelligence officer and founder of EverydaySpy.com, shares strategies for managing decision-making under stress. He reveals how the same time that causes anxiety can be used as a valuable asset. Bustamante emphasizes the power of focusing on the next simplest task to cut through overwhelmed feelings. He connects modern workplace challenges to primal survival skills, suggesting that simplicity and intentionality are key to regaining control and enhancing productivity.
21:29
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Quick takeaways
- Mastering the principle of tackling the next simplest task can effectively alleviate feelings of overwhelm and enhance productivity.
- Recognizing and countering negative self-talk can empower individuals to regain control and maintain a constructive mindset during stressful situations.
Deep dives
Understanding Task Saturation
Task saturation occurs when the number of responsibilities exceeds what an individual can effectively handle, leading to decreased cognitive functioning and heightened stress levels. Research indicates that people make over 1,600 decisions daily, contributing to feelings of overwhelm and unproductiveness. To mitigate this, it's crucial to recognize one’s own limits and avoid overcommitment. A practical approach is to adopt a rule of thumb that suggests reducing the number of simultaneous tasks by two, allowing for increased productivity as focus is redirected to manageable tasks.
