Deliberation
Deliberation is the conscious consideration of options, arguments, and consequences before making a decision.
Definition
Deliberation allows you to stop the automatic reaction and check which action is most consistent with goals, values and real constraints. It includes comparison of possible impacts, risk assessment and selection of criteria. It is especially important for high-consequence decisions, but it can become a trap if it turns into endless analysis.
Key ideas
- Conscious reflection
- Comparing consequences
- The line between analysis and procrastination
Practice and life
When making a decision, write down three options and for each: benefit, cost, risk and first action. Set a time limit for reflection.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to confuse deliberation with avoiding responsibility. A common mistake is collecting further arguments without determining when the knowledge is already sufficient.
> Reflection is not about not acting, but about acting more accurately.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- Am I really considering or am I just procrastinating?
- What consequences are most important in a month and a year?
- When will I finish my analysis and take action?