Why we make irrational decisions, blog article written by Ted Prodromou

"We humans constantly fool ourselves by constructing flimsy accounts of the past and believing they are true." 

This is a quote from Daniel Kahnman in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow

Last week, I was skiing and found myself at the top of a run that freaked me out. 

I've done this run hundreds of times... 

...30+ years ago. 

As I rode up the lift, I noticed the run was much steeper than I remembered. 

I knew this was a challenging but doable run because I've done it many times in the past. 

My flimsy account of the past may have been true 30 years ago, but how the hell am I going to get down this run at my age? 

As you stand at the top of this peak, you can see forever. 

Spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and deep blue sky. 

To get started, you drop off a small cliff. 

It's only a few feet, but it feels like forever until your skis hit the snow below. 

I've done it hundreds of times and it still scares the hell out of me. 

Your heart is pounding as you're working up the courage to make your first turn. 

You have to make that first turn to slow down and avoid falling into a steep ravine. 

No pressure. 

Once you make that first turn, you feel a little relief but... 

You have to make eight or nine more turns on the very steep part of the slope. 

The rest of the run is steep but a piece of cake once you conquer the top of the run. 

I made it to the bottom of the hill and I promised myself this is the last double black diamond run I will ever do. 

Thinking, Fast and Slow is our book of the month in the Mastermind Book Club. 

Don't worry if you don't have time to read the book. 

Tom Ruwitch and I read it for you. 

Join us for a lively discussion of Thinking, Fast and Slow on Thursday, January 25th at 11:30 Pacific/2:30 Eastern time in the Mastermind Book Club

We'll talk about what really goes on in our heads when we make decisions. 

Ted  

About the author 

Ted Prodromou

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