Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work

by Chip Heath

“Any time in life you’re tempted to think, ‘Should I do this OR that?’ instead, ask yourself, ‘Is there a way I can do this AND that?’ It’s surprisingly frequent that it’s feasible to do both things.”

“Should I break up with my partner or not?” instead of “What are the ways I could make this relationship better?”

“Should I buy a new car or not?” instead of “What’s the best way I could spend some money to make my family better off?”

When people have the opportunity to collect information from the world, they are more likely to select information that supports their preexisting attitudes, beliefs, and actions.

At work and in life, we often pretend that we want truth when we’re really seeking reassurance:

A study showed that when doctors reckoned themselves “completely certain” about a diagnosis, they were wrong 40% of the time.

He even invented soda water, so every time you enjoy your Diet Coke, you can thank Priestley.

To train intuition requires a predictable environment where you get lots of repetition and quick feedback on your choices.