The DECIDE Algorithm — A Simple Step-by-Step Method for Converting Idle Time into Productive Action
DECIDE
D - Determine the Bottleneck
E - Engage with the subject matter
C - Clear distractions
I - Implement mental models
D - Decide how to proceed
E - Execute next steps
When you’re traveling or waiting for something to happen, instead of listening to a podcast or scrolling on your phone, you can use the DECIDE algorithm to convert that otherwise wasted time into a realization, a useful plan, or action. Here’s how:
D - Determine the Bottleneck
You can skip this step if you already know what you want to think about. If you don’t, cycle through the important things in your life (family, employees/coworkers, yourself, goals, your calendar) to seek out the single biggest problem in your life so you can solve it for a maximal increase in happiness.
E - Engage with the subject matter
Once you have determined what to think about, announce it to yourself using your inner monologue. “I will now think about how to solve X.” This will help you stay focussed and by verbalizing the problem succinctly, the problem will become easier to solve.
C - Clear distractions
The speed and quality of your thought processes improve if you can remove distractions. Go to a quiet room. Put away your phone. Go for a walk. You’re on a mission and it is not complete until you solve the problem and if you get distracted and switch to another task, you will have failed.
I - Implement mental models
To make good decisions you must have a repertoire of mental tools which you can apply. My favorite are thinking from first principles (something that applies to more than just problems of physics) and thinking about a problem in the context of my life’s greatest purpose. There many other useful mental models such as inversion (how would I NOT solve this problem), two way doors (can I undo this decision, if so, why overanalyze it?), the premortem (I made this decision, it failed, why?), or even asking an expert/AI.
D - Decide how to proceed
You’ve considered the options and have made a decision. Verbalize it to at least yourself, if not others. “I have decided to do Y to solve X because…”. If verbalizing your decision triggers a new important thought return to the previous step and reconsider.
E - Execute next steps
It is insufficient to reach a conclusion. What are the first steps that follow from this conclusion? Execute them. If you can’t in the moment, make a note to do so “to solve my lack of time, I will hire a cleaner, and I will write a job description on Monday to do so.” This technique will reduce analysis paralysis and ensure that you act on your hard fought realizations.
Conclusion:
Your standing in life is a function of the quality and quantity of decisions you make. Improving and speeding up your decision making will allow you to live a better life. Mnemonics such as the DECIDE algorithm allow you to practice your skills while reducing the chance that you forget critical considerations in deciding important matters.
