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Reference:: R: Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
We are inherently irrational although we think we're not. This causes us to confuse confidence with truth, which produces errors in our decision-making.
However, there are tools that can help you minimize your irrationality. These tools are the following (ordered from simplest to most advanced): People, time, checklists, computers, time, experiments
People, through their feedback, criticisms, comments, etc, help you get out of your head. Other people aid you with different perspectives which almost always highlight other sides of your current view of the world.
Time allows for one of the main causes of irrationality—the heat of emotions—to fade which makes space for rationality. For example, before making an important life decision, like leaving the company you work for, let three days pass (or at least allow yourself to sleep on it).
Good checklists contain a list of most important aspects of a given behavior that must be checked off before it's implemented. They force you to slow down and help highlight factors of a decisions that frequently get overlooked due to your biases.
Computers are better at processing large quantities of statistical data which is exactly where our minds fall short. For instance,
Experiments, compel you to bring the metaphysical into the physical. They force you to clash theory with reality. Reality is ruthless, it will leave strip your idea of its subjective glare and leave only what's true.
Relevant notes (PN: )/questions (Q:):
I should read the book Decisive cuz it contains ingenious ways of handling your irrationality.
PN: The first principles: First principles thinking can definitely help in fighting irrationality but it's still subjective because you stay within the constraints of your mind.