Learn to Think in Color

What Does Visualizing Data Do for Decision Making? Seeing is Deciding: How Charts and Graphs Clarify Complex Choices When used effectively, data visualization doesn’t just show us numbers—it shows us patterns, priorities, and paths forward. Visualizing data transforms abstract information into tangible insights. Whether it’s a dashboard, scatterplot, or heat map, these visual tools bridge the gap between data and decision-making. In today’s data-saturated world, seeing the story hidden in the numbers is more critical than ever. If you’re looking to sharpen your strategy or influence outcomes, understanding the power of data visualization is essential. The Brain Loves Pictures: Cognitive Ease and Faster Insights Our brains process images  60,000 times faster  than text. That means a well-designed chart can help decision-makers grasp key insights at a glance. Instead of wading through endless rows of a spreadsheet, a graph can illuminate trends, anomalies, or gaps instantly. Thi...

How Do Biases Influence My Decisions? Unmasking the Invisible Puppeteers Guiding Your Choices Our minds are remarkable tools, but they’re not flawless. Every day, hidden biases shape how we think, decide, and act—often without us even realizing. Understanding how biases influence decisions is key to making smarter, more intentional choices in both our personal and professional lives. This insight can improve leadership, negotiation, relationships, and even how we see ourselves. In this post, we explore the role of cognitive biases, how they subtly guide our thinking, and how to spot them before they lead us astray. The Mechanics of Bias: What Are We Really Dealing With? Biases are mental shortcuts—called  heuristics  in psychology—that our brains use to make decisions quickly. They’re essential for survival (think: snap judgments in a dangerous situation), but in modern life, they often distort reality. These heuristics likely evolved to help our ancestors make fast, life-savi...

  Why Is Sleep Under-Prioritized? Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership asset. Learn why sleep is under-prioritized, how it affects decision-making, and what to do about it. Question the Premise We often equate being busy with being important. But what if the real productivity killer isn’t a lack of time—but a lack of rest? The flawed assumption is: “More waking hours = more output.” In reality, that belief may be draining your edge. Map the Mental Models Productivity Paradox:  Beyond 50 hours/week, your output per hour tanks. Scarcity Mindset:  We treat time like gold but treat energy like it’s infinite. Maslow’s Hierarchy:  Many leaders try to self-actualize without sleep—like building a skyscraper with no foundation. Examine Alternatives Cultural comparisons:  Japanese “karoshi” vs. Google’s nap pods. Performance domains:  Elite athletes treat sleep like oxygen; most execs treat it like a weekend luxury. Test for Practical Application Ask yourself: Woul...

How does the tech I use change my decision making? May 7, 2025 | Accountability, Decision Making, Mental Health, Modern Life, Psychology, Question a Day, Tools Question a Day   How Technology Influences Your Decision-Making (For Better or Worse) Technology has become the invisible hand guiding our daily decisions—what we buy, what we watch, even who we date. (Ever swiped left too fast and regretted it?  Yeah, blame the UI, not your judgment.) Whether it's AI-powered recommendations, social media echo chambers, or the sheer overload of choices, the tech you use might be making more decisions for you than you realize. So, how exactly is technology influencing your thinking, and should you be concerned? Let's dive in. 1. Information Overload: The Paradox of Choice In theory, having access to unlimited information should make decision-making easier. In practice, it often does the opposite. Too many choices lead to paralysis.  Ever spent 30 minutes scrolling through Netflix, o...