We all experience stress on a daily basis. From work, to home life, to personal relationships, feeling overwhelmed by our emotions can cause us to act impulsively and make decisions that are not in our best interest. However, when we take the time to consider the facts of a situation rather than allowing our feelings to cloud our judgment, we can better respond to our stressors in a manner that is healthier and more productive.
The Science Behind Facts versus Feelings
Research conducted by scientists at Carnegie Mellon University shows that emotion-driven decisions do not produce the same outcomes as those made with facts-based thought processes. Emotions tend to be powerful and persuasive. When we allow them to have an influence over decisions we make, they often result in negative consequences. Stressful situations lead us into impulsive behaviors that don’t always produce the best outcomes for ourselves or those around us.
The Benefits of Facts-based Decision Making
Making decisions based on facts requires us to take the time to analyze a situation from multiple angles without allowing our feelings to get in the way. By doing this, we can more objectively assess what is happening and respond accordingly. Research has proven that making facts-based decisions leads to better results for both ourselves and others as it allows us greater clarity when assessing a situation or problem. This type of decision making also helps us avoid knee-jerk reactions which can be emotionally draining and emotionally costly down the line.
How To Practice Facts-Based Decision Making
Practicing facts-based decision making isn’t easy; it takes practice and discipline. The first step is learning how to recognize when emotions are getting in the way of your actions or decisions so you can pause and assess what’s really going on beneath the surface. It also requires being honest with yourself about how you feel about certain topics or situations. Once you understand how your emotions influence your behavior, you can begin working towards making fact-based decisions instead of emotionally driven ones. You may find it helpful to seek out advice from trusted sources who are knowledgeable about the subject matter at hand before reaching any conclusions or taking action on anything related to it. Taking a few moments each day for self reflection can also help you gain valuable insight into how your emotions might be influencing your choices so you can learn how best manage them going forward..
Conclusion:
Facts over feelings is a concept for anyone struggling with managing their stress levels and making better decisions overall in life. When faced with difficult situations or stressful scenarios, it pays off immensely if we take a step back from them before responding impulsively with our feelings alone leading us astray from what could potentially be more beneficial solutions for ourselves and those around us. By taking one extra moment prior could make all the difference between success and failure.
