Sometimes we\u2019re lucky and get to choose between two good alternatives. Sometimes we\u2019re unlucky and have to choose the better of two bad ones. We can probably figure these out, given our values and enough time.<\/p>\n
But there is a trap in this seeming simplicity: What if the values of our choices change as soon as we make them?\u00a0<\/em>Experiments have proven humans fear losing something about twice as much as we desire getting the same thing. We value what we might lose at $10, though we\u2019d be willing to pay only $5 to acquire it. A great explanation is detailed in Thinking, Fast and Slow<\/em> by Dr. Daniel Kahneman.<\/p>\n Baby arrived and Parent, a very successful Lawyer, took a year away from Firm to raise Baby. But Firm wants Lawyer back, or will find a replacement. So Parent faces a dilemma: Return to work and become Great Provider, or stay at home and be Great Parent? That\u2019s a choice between two good alternatives, but we could also state it as the better of two bad ones: Losing Career or Losing Baby.<\/p>\n These are equal in fact but not to our emotions, where Losing Career costs twice the value of being a Great Provider, and Losing Baby costs twice the benefit of being Great Parent. And as soon as a decision is made, the path not taken becomes a loss.<\/em><\/p>\n Lawyer decides to be a Great Parent. As soon as that decision is made, the positive alternative of being a Great Provider is instantly viewed as Losing Career, and the cost doubles. What seemed to be the right decision seems very wrong. \u201cI just wasted law school! I made a mistake!<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, I haven\u2019t told the Firm to flush my career. I will keep the job, buy the greatest nanny, and we\u2019ll take great enriching vacations.\u201d But the moment Parent makes that decision, not being Great Parent is suddenly seen as Losing Baby, with twice the cost. \u201cBaby won\u2019t bond! What if the Nanny is abusive!? I made a mistake!<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, I haven\u2019t hired the nanny. I will be a Great Parent.\u201d But immediately the Good Provider alternative not chosen snaps into Losing Career. Cost doubles. \u201cWait! Where will the money come from for\u2026?\u201d And the dance goes on.<\/p>\n I imagine the doorway out of this maze is faith: we did the best we could, it will all work out, nothing is perfect, or for those so inclined, God will provide. But that kind of faith may be learned before language, and very hard to acquire.<\/p>\n And some will always find an interpretation, whatever the outcome of whatever choice, that validates their fear. Making it even worse next time trying to grapple with the uncertainty of doing the right thing or choosing the best of bad choices.<\/p>\n *(Thank you Shawn Coyne, writing at Steven Pressfield Online<\/a>, for the inspiration).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sometimes we\u2019re lucky and get to choose between two good alternatives. Sometimes we\u2019re unlucky and have to choose the better of two bad ones. We can probably figure these out, given our values and enough time.<\/p>\n But there is a trap in this seeming simplicity: What if the values of our choices change as soon as we make them?\u00a0<\/em>Experiments have proven humans fear losing something about twice as much as we desire getting the same thing. We value what we might lose at $10, though we\u2019d be willing to pay only $5 to acquire it. A great explanation is detailed \u2026 Read more\u2026