Learn to Think in Color

What Decision Are You Postponing by Calling It “More Research”? More Research When diligence becomes a hiding place Framing the Question The decision you are postponing by calling it “more research” is usually the one where the facts are no longer the main problem. You may be facing decision avoidance , not information scarcity. The hidden obstacle may be loss aversion, fear of blame, unclear decision criteria, or the emotional comfort of keeping every option alive. Better research helps you decide; disguised research helps you delay. Why This Question Matters Research has status. It sounds careful, rational, and responsible. That is why it can become such an effective hiding place. No one objects when you say, “I’m still gathering information.” It sounds better than “I don’t want to choose yet.” It sounds better than “I’m afraid this will reveal whether my judgment is good.” It sounds better than “Once I decide, I can be held accountable.” The short answer: you are probably postponing...

Why do extreme results often look less extreme the next time? regression to the mean When outliers cool off, it is often statistics at work—not always a change in quality Framing:  Why do extreme results often look less extreme the next time? In many cases, the answer is  regression to the mean : unusually high or low outcomes often include a layer of luck, noise, timing, or one-off conditions that do not repeat. But there is an important counterpoint: not every move back toward average is regression to the mean. Sometimes the system itself changes—competition adapts, conditions shift, or behavior improves. Knowing the difference helps you avoid lazy conclusions and make sharper decisions in business, leadership, and everyday life. What does it mean when extreme results fade? Regression to the mean  is the tendency for unusually high or low results to be followed by outcomes that are closer to average. That sounds abstract, but the pattern is familiar. A salesperson has a...