The TED Talk about decision-making by Ruth Chang has several important implications. Whereas the standard way of thinking about the hard choices is that it is a curse, she comes to the conclusion that it is instead “a godsend” (Chang 14:20). However, it is not only the culmination that matters in this talk but the overall considerations and the arguments. Firstly, it is vital to understand that hard choices are not only about the big decisions, such as the future job, but also about the trivial things like what to have for breakfast (Chang 1:35). Hence, if it is possible to make some small decisions, then it is easier to take significant actions. Secondly, the reasons for the choices being complicated lie not in our ignorance but in the values, we need to compare (Chang 2:15). As not everything can be represented in numbers, there is no surprise that it is not always feasible to compare and contrast two alternatives. Lastly, the strongest argument in favor of the usefulness of such choices is that they allow people to understand themselves better (Chang 11:30). As there is no possibility to make a rational decision, the only reasons for choosing one option over another are inside us and not in the external world.
Almost every decision in my life can be related to this video. When I go shopping and cannot understand which T-Shirt I should buy, I face the choice. One T-Shirt has better color, but the other one fits me better. As a result, I buy the one that helps me express myself better. It is the obvious example of small hard choices that everyone needs to make in daily life, but at the same time, which allows us to look deeper into ourselves. Another example can be about the time-management of a day. The distribution of the time between study, sport, and leisure time is also a hard choice to make. The time with friends can probably be more enjoyable than the time devoted to doing homework, but their benefits also differ. Hence, making this decision, I prioritize some activities over others, which determines my personality.
A more complex example is definitely the choice of study specialization. Every teenager is unsure of their abilities and interests and usually cannot decide between two or more fields of study they want to immerse in their future. I was not an exception – my choice lied in two alternatives: business and management or literature. I enjoyed reading and analyzing the books during my school time, but on the other hand, it is clear that it is more challenging to make money in this direction. I was always interested in management as well, so I started to study this subject. A similar choice was described by Chang: between philosophy and law (Chang 3:30). However, in contrast to her, I have no regrets for choosing my present study field, at least by now.
The most vital lesson from the video is not to be afraid of the hard choices anymore. Although Chang did not give any strategies for overcoming difficulties in the decision-making process, she did something more substantial – explaining the importance of making hard decisions for enhancing self-knowledge. Therefore, next time I face such a choice, I will be confident that whatever I do is the right option.
Works Cited
Chang, Ruth. “How to Make Hard Choices.” TED, 2014, Web.