Day 5: Behind Every Regret is a Decision

One should not evaluate a decision by its outcome – but by the process that led to it.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

KEY INSIGHT: The quality of a decision is determined by the process used to make it, not by its outcome. A good decision made with sound reasoning can still produce a bad result, while a poor decision based on emotion or impulse can sometimes yield a favorable outcome. Focus on building and following a rational decision-making process rather than trying to predict or control outcomes.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Think about a decision you deeply regret. Now ask yourself: Based on what you knew at the time and the circumstances you faced, was your decision-making process reasonable? Were you using logic and available information, or were you driven by emotions like fear, anger, spite, or wishful thinking? Often, we’ll discover that our “bad” decisions weren’t about the outcome – they were about abandoning sound process for emotional reactions.
TODAY’S EXERCISE: Keep in mind that one critical decision you’re going to have to make. Before you decide, commit to creating a simple process: What information do you need? Who should you consult? What criteria matter most? What emotions might cloud your judgment? Remember, your goal isn’t to guarantee a perfect outcome – it’s to make a decision you can stand behind regardless of how things turn out.