Making decisions when you’re calm and clear-headed is one of the most powerful life strategies you can adopt. When we’re not emotionally overwhelmed, our ability to weigh options, anticipate consequences, and think rationally improves significantly. Such reflects more of a response than a reaction. This is why you often know what’s best for you during these moments, and it’s when both day-to-day and critical life decisions should be made.
Emotional Decisions vs. Rational Decisions
When emotions run high, whether from excitement, fear, anger, grief, fatigue, or stress, we’re prone to making impulsive decisions that we may later regret. Emotionally charged decisions often lead to short-term relief but overlook long-term consequences. A classic example of this is impulse buying. Most people have experienced the regret of purchasing something in the heat of the moment, only to later realize they didn’t need or even really want it.
Think about boxer Mike Tyson, who has spoken candidly about his experiences with impulsive decisions early in his career. At the height of his success, Tyson made several rash financial and personal decisions that impacted him for years to come. Reflecting later in life, he expressed the importance of learning to separate emotions from decision-making.
Similarly, tennis player Serena Williams has been open about how she manages emotions during high-stress situations, particularly on the court. By mastering the art of emotional regulation, Williams has made calculated decisions during matches—choosing to focus on the long game instead of reacting to frustration or pressure. Her ability to stay calm in key moments has been a cornerstone of her success.
The Science Behind Emotions and Decision-Making
Neuroscientific studies reveal that when we’re in a highly emotional state, the amygdala, the brain’s emotional center, becomes more active, while the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational thinking, takes a backseat. This imbalance can lead to decisions based on immediate feelings rather than well-thought-out reasoning.
Consider the case of Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors in history. Buffett is known for his measured and thoughtful decision-making process. He advises that when you’re too excited or too upset, it’s best to “put the decision in your pocket for a day or two.” This allows time for emotional intensity to fade, bringing clarity and objectivity back into the picture. His success is, in part, a testament to the power of making decisions when calm, rather than in the heat of the moment.
Personally, I make it a rule to always “sleep on” any important reply or correspondence I want to send. Countless times, I have woken up wondering, “What was I thinking?” “Maybe I should add or delete something, or modify my tone. This practice has also served me well in considering important financial decisions.
How to Make Better Decisions in a Calm State
- Step Back and Reflect: One of the simplest ways to avoid emotionally driven decisions is to take a pause. Before making an important decision, allow yourself some time to breathe, step back, and reflect. This can range from a few minutes of deep breathing to taking a few days to consider all angles.For example, Oprah Winfrey has talked about the importance of taking time for reflection when faced with big decisions. She is known for carving out moments of stillness in her day, allowing her to process emotions and approach decisions with a clearer mind.
- Engage in Mindfulness or Meditation: These practices help in calming the mind and managing emotional turbulence. Many successful people, like Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, regularly practice meditation as a way to gain clarity and emotional balance before making big decisions.
- Sleep on It: There’s wisdom in the old saying “sleep on it.” Giving yourself time, especially overnight, allows your emotions to settle and your brain to process information differently. This is a technique endorsed by Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, who believes in thinking things over during calm moments rather than when he’s in the midst of an emotional reaction.
- Consult Trusted Advisors When Calm: While you are the best person to make decisions for yourself, getting advice from trusted individuals can help when you’re stuck. It’s crucial, however, to consult them when you’re in a calm state, not when you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook, frequently talks about the importance of having a strong network of people who can offer perspective when emotions run high.
Avoiding Decision Paralysis
While it’s essential to avoid making decisions in highly emotional states, it’s also important not to overthink. Paralysis by analysis can leave you stuck in inaction, which can be just as detrimental as making an impulsive decision. The key is balance—knowing when to wait for clarity and when to trust that you’ve thought things through enough.
J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, faced many moments of doubt and uncertainty before publishing her first book. However, she didn’t allow fear or emotional overwhelm to paralyze her. Instead, she made thoughtful decisions, weighing risks but ultimately trusting her intuition.
Conclusion: Trusting Yourself When Calm
In most cases, you already know what’s best for you—especially when you’re not clouded by extreme emotions. Making decisions in a calm, thoughtful state allows you to tune into your deeper instincts and long-term goals. Like Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett, and Serena Williams, you can develop the habit of making decisions from a place of clarity, ensuring that your choices are aligned with your highest values and aspirations.
In the end, it’s not about eliminating emotions from your decision-making process but about learning to manage them so they don’t control the outcome. By doing so, you empower yourself to make choices that lead to greater fulfillment, success, and peace.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon.
