We make a phenomenal amount of decisions in our day-to-day life, most of which are micro decisions we're not even aware of, like sipping a glass of water or where we plant our feet while walking. The brain is designed to make decisions moment to moment, to take in data and use that information to form a choice that will (hopefully) create the best outcome for us in the moment.
Some decisions, however, are far more monumental and require research, reflection, and experience. But what happens when you have either too much information at once or too little time to make critical, life-altering decisions? How does an army commander know what commands to give troops under fire? How does a doctor know how much of what kind of drug to give a patient during a life-threatening crisis?
While there are programs like the Rockhurst University online FNP program that train people and give them the knowledge to make split-second critical decisions like this, we aren't all nurses, policemen, soldiers, or other vocations that get training in high-pressure decision making. So, how can a typical member of the population train their brain to make the best decisions in a tight spot?
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking doesn't mean criticizing whatever comes into your field of acknowledgement. Critical thinking is a process by which you determine the verisimilitude of information. For example, let's say someone tells a blind person that the sky is blue. How can a blind person verify that fact without the benefit of their eyes?
The first thing they could do is research the claim. Where did the person who told them the sky is blue get their information? Does that person have any biases towards choosing blue as the colour of the sky? What do other people say about the colouration of the sky? Where do those people get this information? Who are the leading authorities on what colour the sky would be? What does their information say? How did they get that information?
Through this process, the blind person would understand that the atmospheric composition of Earth causes it to appear blue during certain times and weather conditions, and that generally, when people describe the sky, the simplest expression of these processes and conditions is to describe the sky as blue.
Obviously, this is a bit of a stretch of an example, but critical thinking skills are necessary when making any decision. Applying this process in a high-pressure environment is difficult because the chaos can interrupt constructive thought patterns. You need to make sure that you're familiar with anyone you're working with, what the goals of your work are, and what resources you have in order to be able to think critically during high-pressure situations. But practicing the methodology is a useful exercise that will reap dividends in your career.
Play Games
We're not joking. Play is not only a necessary and natural part of life, known to be an incredible regulatory and learning tool among all species, but play also encourages critical thinking and decision-making practice and development.
A 2023 study revealed that playing games had huge positive effects on a person's cognition. While video games, card games, and board games all have a beneficial effect, the study said that video games provide the most potent benefits to a person's cognitive functioning.
And really, it stands to reason. Many games demand the quick intake of information, rapid reactions to situations, extended periods of concentration, strategic thinking, analytical thinking, and resource allocation, all of which demand that effective decisions be made regularly. Playing games not only relieves stress and helps to regulate emotional states, but it also actively enhances cognitive function, not least of which is decision-making capabilities.
Try not to overthink
There is such a thing as too much information, and in a situation that requires quick, decisive action, there may simply not be enough time to gather the requisite data. Therefore, when quick decision-making is needed, resist the temptation to make a perfect decision; instead, make the best decision you can.
A good framework is to get enough information to make you feel around 70% sure, but the choice you're making is the right one. Get enough information that you can say, "Based on the information I have, this appears to be the most effective choice right now."
When quick decisions need to be made, it's often not about choosing the best course of action overall, but about putting out fires until the best overall decision can be made. Try to avoid thinking about the end of things, and instead keep your attention focused on the here and now. Even if that only pushes back the decision that needs to be made slightly, the extra breathing room can mean all the difference.
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