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Making decisions is an unavoidable part of life. From small, everyday choices to major decisions that shape our entire future, the decisions we make can have lasting effects. However, not every decision we make is the right one. Sometimes, what seems like a good decision in the moment may turn out to be a poor choice in the long run. The decision-making process can be complex, and it’s easy to fall into traps that lead to bad outcomes. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common decisions that people often make without thinking them through—and the potential consequences that come with them. By understanding the risks and considering all possible outcomes, you can avoid making the same mistakes and move toward better decision-making.
1. Getting a pet (especially a dog)
There are a few benefits to getting a pet that should not be underestimated:
- Feeling happier because you have someone uncomplicated who loves you unconditionally, and you love them in return (therapy animals are a thing).
- Feeling less lonely (especially helpful if you’re single during a pandemic).
- If it’s a dog, being forced to go outside and walk more.
However, getting a pet comes with many downsides that may seem insignificant in the moment but add up over time:
- The costs: the cost of purchasing the animal, food, hygiene products, toys, veterinary bills, taxes, burial costs, insurance.
- The time: caring for a living being requires consistent effort and attention.
- Loss of freedom: going on vacation or even just a day trip can’t happen without planning for the pet you’re leaving behind; You’ll need to check if restaurants accept dogs; you need to take your dog for a walk even if you’re sick or the weather is bad, and ensure your apartment allows pets.
2. Getting a better car than necessary
We all know someone who drives a car far more expensive than they can reasonably afford. Today, it’s easier than ever to get a car without paying the full price (through leasing, financing, renting, or buying used). But many people don’t fully consider the long-term costs they’re committing to when opting for a pricier car. Let’s break it down:
- The cost of the car itself: This one is obvious but worth mentioning. Have you ever calculated the yearly cost of that new car you want and compared it to how that money could grow if saved or invested? For example, if your monthly lease is €200, that’s €2,400 a year. If you put that money in a savings account earning 3% interest for 10 years, you’d have an additional €825. If you invested the money and earned 7%, you’d have an additional €2,321. Waiting just one more year before upgrading can seriously pay off in the long term.
- Fuel costs: Faster cars tend to use more fuel, which results in higher ongoing costs. Additionally, the type of fuel makes a significant difference.
- Insurance costs: A sports car will likely have a much higher insurance rate than, say, a VW Polo.
- Tire costs: The bigger the car, the larger and more expensive the tires.
- Inspection costs: Fancier cars tend to have higher inspection and maintenance costs.
- Exotic brands: If you go for an exotic brand, chances are their dealership might not be close by, meaning extra time and money spent on maintenance trips.
Not all of these apply to every car, but it’s important to consider these hidden costs before making a purchase decision.
3. Developing a caffeine addiction
Far too many people rely on caffeine to get through the day. Not only is this an unhealthy habit, but it’s also an expensive one.
I encourage any avid coffee drinker to tally up their weekly, monthly, and yearly coffee costs and then think about what else they could do with that money. Looking at it from a compounding perspective is especially painful.
What starts as a quick fix for energy can turn into a long-term problem, so it’s important to take a step back and assess your choices.
4. Ignoring your bedtime
Modern society suffers from chronic sleep deprivation. While most of us know that getting enough sleep is crucial for our health and for performing well at work or school, very few people dive deeper into the alarming scientific findings about the impact of sleep deprivation.
5. Multitasking
If you’re multitasking between two or more tasks that require active thought (so not just muscle memory tasks), you’re essentially half-assing both tasks. Not only that, but you’re also training your mind to be distracted. The more often we multitask, the more it becomes a habit. In other words, every minute of every day, we’re training ourselves to develop habits—whether we’re aware of it or not.
Multitasking trains your brain to switch your attention rapidly between tasks. The more time you spend doing this, the harder it becomes to focus on a single task. Is that really something you want to encourage?
At the end of the day, every decision we make—whether big or small—plays a role in shaping our future. While it’s impossible to avoid all mistakes, taking a more conscious approach to decision-making can help you make better choices.
Whether it’s a complex decision about finances or a simple question about how you spend your time, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. The best thing you can do is stay informed, trust your instincts, and be aware of the possible outcomes.
By learning from past decisions and being more mindful in the present, you’ll be better equipped to navigate life’s difficult choices. So, next time you’re faced with a decision, take a little time to think it through—it could be the difference between a good decision and a bad one.
