A simple intuition-driven exercise for decision making by Dr. Laura Huang

If you're an academic or life science professional, chances are you're pretty good at analysing. The downside? Sometimes we analyse so much that we end up stuck.

Here's a simple exercise from You Already Know by Dr. Laura Huang that I love.

Think of the two options you're considering. Then flip a coin.

Heads, you choose option A. Tails, you choose option B.

The coin isn't deciding for you. It's simply revealing your reaction.

When you see the result, pay attention. Do you feel relieved? Disappointed? Do you instantly hope for the other option?

That emotional response often tells you something your spreadsheets, pros-and-cons lists, and endless thinking haven't.

Our intuition isn't always right. But when we're caught in analysis paralysis, it can be a surprisingly useful source of information.

If you have an important decision to make this week, give it a try. You might discover you already know.