“I’ve been burned enough times by FOMO-based and ego-based decision-making to know that I’ll always regret choosing to some something for the wrong reason,” Samin Nosrat says in her response to Tim Ferriss’ question on what she’s become better at saying no to. 

Although I’m only in the first 50 pages of Tribe of Mentors, it’s already been enlightening (and therapeutic). 

There are days when I struggle with decision-making. Do I go for the big money? Or focus on values and a potentially bigger payout in the future. Or is there a way to “have it all”? 

Think all, I tell myself. But sometimes the cards don’t fall that way and you play your hand the best you can, in a way you can be proud of. 

And it’s true that if I make a decision for the wrong reason, I do end up regretting it, even if I gain value out of it (I always do, but there’s no joy.)

The adverse is true as well. I’ve made some decisions that resulted in unhappy endings, that led to what felt like horrible circumstances. But I dealt with the fallout and looking back, I have no regrets about my part in the matter. 

I once read a fantasy novel series in which one of the characters says that hesitation is worse than making a decision either way. Make your decision as best as you can, then deal with the results.