Decisions, decisions! There are numerous decisions that we make in our lives. They range from the mundane and routine ones, such as what to wear, or what to take for dinner, to the most important life-changing ones, like the decision of whether to marry to whom, which job we should do, and how to raise our children. We are very secure in our freedom to choose. It is central to our individuality and is the primary definition of free will.

Making sound choices requires us to balance the seemingly contradictory forces of rationality and emotion. We need to be able anticipate the future, clearly perceive the present circumstances, be able to see the minds of others , and manage uncertainties. To discover additional information on Picker Wheel, you must check out wheel randomizer website.

The majority of us are unaware of the mental processes that lie behind our choices. However, this is now an area of interest for research, and luckily the findings that neurobiologists and psychologists are finding may aid us in making better decisions. We've collected the most intriguing findings in the New Scientist guide to helping you make a decision.

Do not be afraid of the consequences

It doesn't matter whether you choose a weekend in Paris, or a trip to the slopes. A brand new vehicle or a bigger house is the most significant choice you can make. Also, who you will marry. We imagine what the consequences of our decisions will affect how we feel, as well as what the emotional or "hedonic" outcomes of our choices will be. We usually opt for the option that we think will bring us the greatest happiness overall.

Be sure to follow your gut.

It's tempting to think that to make good decisions you need time to systematically weigh up all the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of alternatives, but sometimes the quick judgement or intuitive choice is just as good, if not better.

Be aware of your emotions

You might think that emotions are the cause of decision-making, but actually, they are integral to it. The very first emotions that we experience were developed to allow us to make quick and impulsive decisions in circumstances that could be threatening to our survival. Fear can cause us to flee or fight, and anger can cause us to avoid. The emotions play a larger part in determining a decision than this quick response.

You can play the role of the devil's advocate

Have you ever had an argument with someone about an issue that is vexatious, such as the death penalty or immigration and been frustrated because they only relied on evidence that supported their views and conveniently ignored any evidence that was contrary? This is the ubiquitous confirmation bias. It can be infuriating in other people, but we are all susceptible every time we weigh up facts to inform our decisions.

Keep an eye on the ball

Our decisions and judgements have a peculiar and disturbing habit of being entangled by random or insignificant data and facts. In a well-known study that introduced this so-called "anchoring effect", Kahneman and the late Amos Tversky asked participants to spin an "wheel of luck" with numbers ranging between 0 and 100, and then to determine what percentage of United Nations countries were African.

Spilt milk is not an indication of concern

It's a fancy restaurant with excellent food, yet you feel sick. You're sure you need to leave some desserts, but you feel that you have to finish it all despite increasing feeling of nausea. What do you think? In the back of your wardrobe there is an unfit and out of date piece of clothing.

Look at it another way

This is an example. If you do nothing then your town could be struck by a fatal illness that can kill up to 600 people. You have the option of choosing between the program A which can save 200 lives, or program B, which will help 600 people and save no one. What do you think?

Social pressure poses a threat

You may believe that you are a single-minded individual and not the type of person that lets others influence you however the reality is that everyone is exempt from social pressure. Numerous studies have shown that even the normal and well-adjusted, and well-informed people can be swayed by figures of authority and their peers into making a number of bad decisions.

Limit your options

Although you may think more Starbucks is better than fewer, consider these findings. There are too many options for investing in retirement. Some people feel less inclined to choose a chocolate from five options than if they have to select from 30.

Choose someone else

It is easy to believe we are happier being in control than having another choose for us. Yet sometimes, no matter what the outcome of a decision, the actual procedure of making it could make us feel unhappy. It is best to let go of control.