The Guide To Better Decisions By Dr. Spencer Johnson

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In Dr. Spencer Johnson’s book, “Yes” or “No”; The Guide to Better Decisions, a young man embarks on a hike with a group of other people. During their journey, they learn to make better and more effective decisions using a system called the “Yes” or “No” system. This seemingly effective system focuses on the need to “focus on the real need” rather than focusing on one’s immediate desire. Dr. Johnson’s method via the anecdotes of the people in the story assist in creating better decisions by demonstrating how the decisions you make will affect you long term rather than the immediate gratification of choosing what seems to be right without any complex analysis of the outcome. This book helps one realize that you can make effective decisions, sooner …show more content…

It may sound cliché or like an obvious given answer, but the title of this class is “Life Choices.” Making decisions ties in with the choices we make in life and this book really helps summarizing the process of making a decision. Looking over the syllabus, there are five “Life choices” that we will learn in this class: Attitude Choices, Relationship Choices, Lifestyle Choices, Spiritual Choices, and Health Choices. Our attitude choices are created by the basic needs our bodies require. Naturally, our bodies “focus on the need” rather than the want. Next, are our relationship choices. You have mentioned numerous times how us mammals need contact and interaction with others as a basic need. Whether it is your friends or your significant other, getting that human interaction is crucial in our everyday mental health and well-being. Yet, choosing the people that you want vs. need in your life can be a tough decision making process. I have had friends who have been in relationships where they are constantly being put down, but stay in the relationship because they “need” the harmful person. I now know to guide them to ask themselves a private question, as well as ask an outsider a public question in order to decide if they really need the person or just want them. The third life choice are the basic lifestyle choices in which we make. For example, choosing to continue one’s education is definitely a …show more content…

Spencer Johnson’s book, “Yes” or “No”; The Guide to Better Decisions gave a great perspective on how to make better decisions. By following the two-part journey to arrive at a better decision, any life choice can be effortlessly and hastily solved. From the choices we make more often like our attitude and health choices, to our deeper choices like our spiritual and relationship choices, simply analyzing what we need vs. what we want and asking ourselves a practical vs. personal question can save a lot of time in the long run by allowing you to completely ignore making the wrong decision and dealing with its consequences. Understanding the messages and principles given in this book can make the entire process a natural process and lead to making even a good decision maker, the best decision

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