Making “Simple” Decisions

The authors discuss the many factors that are involved in making a decision. Although it seems that it should be a fairly simple process, they provide all the pressures and considerations that the decision-making is wrought with. The authors use the example of a soccer player under great pressure that to exemplify this theory. The anecdote about a stressed-out athlete illustrates how difficult it is to abandon conventional wisdom and make the right decision for the moment and circumstances. Finally, the tale of the soccer player gets to the heart of “Thinking Like a Freak” – letting go of barriers and thinking freely.

A soccer player who is selected to kick a penalty goal has a myriad of thoughts running through his head. The odds are better to make the goal if it is hit into the corner. But more accuracy is required for a corner kick...