Introduction
Making decisions can be a challenging task, especially when faced with complex situations and multiple options. In general, decision-making greatly varies among people and helps to form their own individuality. It can help people to develop their problem-solving skills and build confidence in their ability to navigate complex situations.
A specific, precise plan is recommended to make a decision firmly and without a doubt, with steps like defining a problem, planning in advance, and actually taking action. Some people argue that the decision-making process can expose our cognitive limitations. However, I believe that it provides a chance for gaining autonomy and shaping oneself.
The Impact of Thinking Boundaries on Decision-Making
I would like to develop a way of thinking that is as positive as possible, therefore sticking to autonomy and self-shaping. Generally, empowerment enables individuals or groups to gain power and control over making their own decisions. It involves providing such resources as support and opportunities that may eventually help people develop their knowledge. In this way, decision-making evokes and increases the feeling of empowerment, providing people with independence over their will.
In turn, self-invention involves shaping one’s beliefs, values, and behaviors to align with one’s concept and desired image. Chang cites an example of how people may turn themselves “…into the kind of person for whom country living is preferable to the urban life” (3). Therefore, the decision-making process is reflected as the key component of developing a personality and moral independence, as the reason for a particular decision is unique every time and depends on the person.
Nevertheless, some people are inclined to the unpleasant option of the decision-making process that supposedly reveals the actual limit of our cognitive abilities and perception. It concerns the fact that human beings have a limited amount of rational skills and can only process a small piece of information at a given point in time. As a result, if faced with complex decisions that require processing large amounts of information, people may experience the so-called cognitive overload and struggle to decide. Ariely conveniently provides an example of how easy it is, in fact, to trick a human brain into following one’s instructions without even realizing it (3).
Thus, it is essential to recognize these cognitive limitations and biases to make more informed and rational decisions. One way to do this is to actively search for diverse perspectives and consider multiple options and alternatives. However, I would prefer the opportunity for empowerment and self-invention, as these aspects are crucial to have in a world where responsibility and autonomy are prioritized.
Conclusion
To summarize, various opinions on the decision-making process influence people’s nature and everyday behavior. Some of them include the constantly present ambiguity of cognitive limitations and self-government. As can be seen, decisions can be made from different perspectives, and both of these viewpoints have some validity. In any case, whether the process reveals our cognitive limitations or offers an opportunity for empowerment and self-invention depends on our mindset and approach to decision-making. Individuals need to be aware of their cognitive disadvantages and work strongly to reduce them while also using the decision-making process to reflect on their individuality and personal advancement.
Works Cited
Ariely, Dan. “Are We In Control Of Our Own Decisions?” uploaded by TED, 2009. Web.
Chang, Ruth. “How To Make Hard Choices” uploaded by TED, 2014. Web.