When in Doubt, Keep Your Mouth Shut: The Power of Silence in Decision Making

Making decisions can be one of the most difficult things we do in life, especially when faced with multiple options and conflicting emotions. We may find ourselves caught between wanting to make the right choice and fearing the consequences of making the wrong one. In such cases, we often seek advice from others, or we engage in endless self-analysis in an attempt to arrive at a clear decision. However, sometimes the best thing we can do is to keep our mouths shut and listen to our own inner voice. In this article, we will explore the power of silence in decision making and why sometimes, it is better to say nothing at all.

The Binary Nature of the Brain

Our brains are wired to operate in a binary fashion, meaning that they are designed to make quick decisions between two options. This is because our brains have evolved to solve immediate problems like survival, and the ability to make quick decisions has been essential to our survival as a species. However, when we are faced with more than two options, we tend to become overwhelmed and indecisive. This is because our brains are not designed to handle complex decision-making processes, especially when emotions are involved.

The Paradox of Choice

We all like to have choices in life, but research has shown that having too many choices can actually be paralyzing. This is known as the “paradox of choice,” and it occurs when having too many options leads to indecision and anxiety. When we have too many choices, we become overwhelmed with the task of making a decision, and we may end up making no decision at all. This can be detrimental, especially when it comes to important life decisions like buying a house, choosing a career, or starting a family.

Practice, Experience, and Rules of Thumb

While our brains may struggle with complex decision-making processes, there are ways to improve our ability to make decisions. One way is through practice and experience. As we gain more experience with making decisions, we learn to identify patterns and make better choices. We also develop rules of thumb, or heuristics, that help us to make quick decisions based on past experiences. For example, if we have a rule of thumb that says “when in doubt, go left,” we may be able to make a quick decision when faced with a choice, even if we don’t have all the information we need.

The Power of Silence

Another way to improve our ability to make decisions is through the power of silence. When we keep our mouths shut and listen to our own inner voice, we give ourselves the space to think and reflect on our options. This can be especially helpful when we are feeling overwhelmed or indecisive. Instead of seeking advice from others, or engaging in endless self-analysis, we can simply be quiet and listen to ourselves. By doing so, we may find that our inner voice is telling us what we need to know.

The Benefits of Keeping Your Mouth Shut

There are several benefits to keeping your mouth shut when making decisions. First, it gives you the space to think and reflect on your options. By being quiet and listening to yourself, you may be able to identify your own biases, fears, and hopes, which can help you to make a more informed decision. Second, it prevents you from being swayed by the opinions of others. When we seek advice from others, we may be influenced by their biases, fears, and hopes, which can lead us astray. Lastly, it allows you to take responsibility for your own decisions. When we make decisions based on our own inner voice, we are taking ownership of our lives and our choices.

Conclusion

Making decisions can be a difficult and stressful process, especially when we are faced with complex choices and conflicting emotions. While seeking advice from others and engaging in self-analysis can be helpful, sometimes the best thing we can do is to keep our mouths shut and listen to our own inner voice. By doing so, we give ourselves the space to think and reflect on our options, prevent ourselves from being swayed by the opinions of others, and take ownership of our decisions. So, the next time you are faced with a difficult decision, remember the power of silence and see what your inner voice has to say.