How a Bird Taught Me About Decision Making and Intuition

The Power of Quick Decisions: Trusting Intuition Over Analysis Paralysis

I heard this beatiful parable about birds, saying they don't trust the branch when they land on it, but they are constantly aware of their ability to fly away... It is how they were created... I had a lot to think about over the weekend when I heard that and when I pondered all I could, compared it to what Jesus said about the birds in Mathew 6, I knew I was onto something. So here it is, my 2 cents on decision making and inpiring you to take action. Welcome to our #MotivationMonday.

Every day, we face decisions—some small, others life-changing. We often feel compelled to gather as much information as possible before making a choice, believing that careful analysis will lead us to the best possible outcome. Yet, in many cases, the opposite is true: the more we analyze, the more paralyzed we become. This phenomenon, known as analysis paralysis, occurs when overthinking stops us from making a decision at all. It generates inconsistency, leaves us stuck in indecision, and often results in missed opportunities.

The solution isn’t simply making decisions for the sake of it, but learning how to make well-informed, intuitive decisions without overthinking. As it turns out, research shows that quick decisions—those based on intuition, experience, and a limited but significant amount of information—can be more effective than decisions made after lengthy deliberation. This idea is explored by renowned authors like Malcolm Gladwell in Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking and Daniel Kahneman in Thinking, Fast and Slow.

Quick Decisions and Thin-Slicing: Insights from Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink

In Blink, Malcolm Gladwell argues that snap judgments—decisions made in mere moments—can be incredibly accurate and effective. His concept of thin-slicing refers to our ability to extract critical information from a small, concentrated piece of data, enabling us to make swift decisions without consciously processing all the available details. This ability, he argues, is often far more reliable than long, drawn-out thinking.

One of the most famous examples Gladwell presents is the case of art experts who were asked to assess the authenticity of an ancient Greek statue. These experts could almost instantly sense that something was wrong with the statue, even though they couldn’t explain why. Their judgment was based on years of experience, which had fine-tuned their ability to detect minute inconsistencies that lay beyond conscious awareness. Their decision wasn’t a hunch—it was intuition, built on a foundation of knowledge and skill.

This form of rapid decision-making isn’t just limited to art experts. Gladwell references a variety of fields where quick thinking leads to better outcomes. Whether it’s a firefighter instinctively recognizing the signs of a dangerous situation, or a seasoned trader making a split-second call in the stock market, these decisions are informed by a wealth of experience, rather than hours of reflection.

In Blink, Gladwell challenges the common belief that more data equals better decisions. Often, he argues, the more we overanalyze, the less clarity we have. Overloading our minds with too much information can cause doubt, hesitation, and ultimately, paralysis. The ability to trust our instincts—honed through experience—is crucial for making decisive, confident choices that propel us forward.

The Balance Between Speed and Diligence: Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow

While Gladwell champions quick decision-making, Daniel Kahneman offers a more structured view in Thinking, Fast and Slow. Kahneman divides our thinking processes into two systems: System 1, which is fast, automatic, and intuitive, and System 2, which is slow, deliberate, and logical.

Kahneman doesn’t dismiss the value of careful thinking, but he acknowledges that quick decisions, driven by intuition, often lead to more effective outcomes. He points out that over-reliance on System 2—the slow, logical process—can lead to analysis paralysis, where the fear of making the wrong decision prevents us from making any decision at all.

According to Kahneman, we shouldn’t wait until we have 100% of the information to make a decision. In fact, he suggests that 70% is often enough. At that point, you’ve gathered a significant portion of the necessary data, but continuing to analyze beyond that threshold brings diminishing returns. The additional time spent seeking more information rarely leads to a better decision and often causes unnecessary delays.

Once you reach that 70% mark, you should trust your experience, intuition, and judgment to make the decision and move forward. Kahneman emphasizes that this doesn’t mean making reckless choices, but it does mean avoiding the trap of overthinking. Quick decisions, especially those made when you have most (but not all) of the information, allow for momentum and action—two crucial factors for success.

The Power of Commitment: Sticking with Your Plan

Making a decision is only the first step. The next, and often more difficult challenge, is to stick with your plan, especially when the early stages seem out of alignment. Many people falter at this point, abandoning their decisions when things don’t go perfectly from the outset. But true success comes not from perfection, but from persistence.

It’s natural for the beginning of any new venture—whether it’s a business, a relationship, or a personal goal—to feel shaky. In fact, the first phase is often where things feel the most uncertain. This is the period where many lose faith and give up. However, successful people understand that discomfort is part of the process. They recognize that perseverance is required to see their plans through.

By sticking to your decision, even when things look uncertain, you give your plan time to succeed. The discomfort of the early phase is temporary, and often a necessary part of growth. Commitment, especially in the face of uncertainty, is what separates those who thrive from those who merely survive.

Intuition: A Skill, Not a Hunch

A common misconception about intuition is that it’s just a gut feeling or an uninformed guess. However, intuition is a developed skill—one that comes from years of experience and exposure to similar situations. As Gladwell points out in Blink, intuition is not magical or mystical; it’s the brain’s ability to recognize patterns and make informed judgments based on past experience.

Similarly, Gary Klein, a psychologist and decision-making expert, found that experienced professionals, like firefighters and military personnel, often make intuitive decisions with very little information, and these decisions are remarkably accurate. This ability comes from years of experience and pattern recognition, not from random guesses or gut feelings.

Klein’s research also supports the idea that decisions made with determination and limited data can be incredibly effective. In high-pressure situations, waiting for more information can be detrimental. The ability to act decisively, based on limited but critical data, often leads to better outcomes.

The development of intuition doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a skill that grows as you gain more experience, face new challenges, and learn from your successes and failures. Over time, your brain becomes more adept at recognizing patterns, which allows you to make quick, confident decisions that others might hesitate to make.

Overcoming the Fear of Failure: The Biggest Regret is Not Trying

When it comes to decision-making, the greatest failure isn’t making the wrong choice—it’s not making a choice at all. Far too many people live with the regret of “what if?”—the lingering thought of what could have been if they had only taken a chance. The fear of failure can be paralyzing, but it’s important to remember that failure is a part of success. The real failure is never trying.

Imagine looking back on your life and realizing that you never pursued your dreams, not because they were impossible, but because you were too afraid to make a decision. The regret of not trying is far worse than the pain of failure. I would rather live with the thought of “this didn’t work out,” than be haunted by the question “what if I had tried?”.

There’s a famous quote that sums this up perfectly: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” When you’re paralyzed by analysis, you’re missing out on the opportunity to take those shots—to pursue your dreams, to live with purpose, to grow. The key is to trust yourself, make decisions, and take action. You won’t always succeed, but you’ll always be moving forward.

Conclusion: The Power of Quick, Purposeful Decisions

In life, the greatest risks come not from the decisions we make, but from the ones we never make. Whether you’re facing a career change, a personal challenge, or a major life decision, remember that quick, informed decisions—backed by intuition and experience—often lead to the best outcomes. Waiting for more information or overanalyzing every detail can trap you in a cycle of indecision and regret.

As Blink and Thinking, Fast and Slow demonstrate, your ability to trust your instincts, act with confidence, and commit to your decisions is a powerful tool for success. Intuition is not a hunch, but a skill developed through experience. And while no decision guarantees success, the act of making a decision guarantees momentum—and that’s where progress begins.

Also, I have produced several videos about decision making, 3 of them in particular are really relevant to this topic. I would highly recommend you to watch it, starting with this one: CLICK HERE.

So, the next time you’re faced with a decision, ask yourself: have I gathered enough information to act? If the answer is yes, then trust yourself and take the leap. Don’t get caught in the trap of analysis paralysis. Make a decision, pursue it with determination, and move forward. After all, the greatest failure isn’t in failing—it’s in not trying at all.