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It's Gotta Be This or That – Easy Decision Making

Written by: Don Doman

Article Overview: Decisions are easy to make. It's making the correct decision that's hard. Sometimes, however, we already know what decision we want to make, we just keep putting it off and looking at alternatives.

It's Gotta Be This or That – Easy Decision Making

Decisions are easy to make. It's making the correct decision that's hard. Sometimes, however, we already know what decision we want to make, we just keep putting it off and looking at alternatives.

Usually decisions come down to two choices. One you really want and one you know would be a good choice. When it's down to two choices I always like to play a video called It's Gotta Be This Or That. This video features a swing tune from the 40s along with quotations about decision making. The essence of the video is wrapped up in the lyrics, however. No matter what, it's got to be one way or the other. This decision or that decision, the choice is yours. Simply put, this or that.

I have several variations on how to play out the Gotta Be This Or That Decision Game:

Model Cars
Let's say you're trying to decide what kind of car to buy. Take two models, one of each car. Next take a hammer. Have someone start the countdown: five, four, three, two, one. When it's time to save the one you really want, you'll make your decision and smash second choice. You can use the models to represent more than just a car purchase or course. For example if you are trying to decide on one of two businesses to purchase, if one is conservative and the other one is more exciting, you could have a dark sedan represent the conservative choice and a red convertible represent the more flashy business.

Truffles at 10 Paces
Take two expensive truffles. Let one represent each choice. Have each piece of candy sitting on a plate marked with the name of the choice. Have someone in another room be told to come in quickly at eat one of the truffles. Before they reach for the truffle of their choice, you will have already grabbed the one you want.

Burning Memories
Take two photographs. Each one represents each choice. Have a friend start to light them on fire. You can only save one. You grab one and the other burns up. This is my favorite. The choice you don't choose goes up in smoke.

The nice thing about making decisions, is the relief you feel once you have made the decision. Even if the decision means more work and less money, once that decision is made. You've mentally accepted the results and your body responds. You can feel the weight come off your shoulders. You can breathe more easily. And it had to be this or that. You're at peace.

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