You’ve probably heard the saying, “People always do the best they can with what they know.” This idea means that every decision we make, big or small, is based on what we believe is the right thing to do at that moment.
But how does that work? Why do people make choices that seem wrong or confusing to others? Understanding this concept can help you become more empathetic and see others in a new light. It’s important for personal relationships, work, and even society as a whole.
Everyone acts in the best possible way at each moment based on the information one possesses.
The Psychology Behind Decision-Making
Our brains are constantly processing information. Every choice we make comes from what we know, our past experiences, and even how we feel in the moment. Sometimes, we think quickly, like when you grab an umbrella because you see dark clouds. Other times, we take our time, weighing options carefully.
But here’s the thing: no one ever has all the information. We act based on the facts we have, how we interpret them, and the emotions we’re feeling. So, the decisions we make are a combination of what’s in front of us and how we understand it.
What Does “Best Possible Way” Even Mean?
When we say people do the “best” they can, it’s important to remember that “best” is subjective. What seems like the right choice to you may not seem right to someone else. We all have different goals, values, and desires that shape our idea of what’s “best.”
Plus, people aren’t perfect decision-makers. We don’t always have the luxury of time or all the right tools. Most of the time, we make choices that are “good enough” for the situation rather than perfect. And these decisions are shaped by the current moment, what we’re dealing with right then and there.
How Information Shapes Behavior
We’re all working with limited information, and that’s why people sometimes make choices that don’t seem great. If you don’t know all the facts, or if you’re misinformed, your decision is based on what you think you know.
For example, think of someone who makes a big financial decision without knowing all the risks. They may believe they’re doing the right thing, but in reality, they’re missing key information. It’s not that they’re not trying; they just don’t have all the facts.
Our surroundings also influence us. The news we watch, the people we talk to, and our own social circles all shape how we view the world and the decisions we make.
Real-Life Examples of Acting with Limited Information
Personal Relationships:
Ever had a misunderstanding with a friend or family member? Chances are, it happened because one of you didn’t have the full story. We react to the information we have at that moment, and sometimes that leads to conflict.
Workplace Decisions:
Think about managers who have to make decisions quickly with limited data. They might be making the best call they can, but without all the information, the outcome might not be ideal. The same goes for employees who have to act on incomplete instructions.
Public Policy:
Governments make huge decisions for millions of people based on the information they have. Sometimes, they get it right. Other times, they realize later they didn’t know enough at the time, and things could’ve been handled differently.
How Time and Reflection Affect Decisions
Time can be a game-changer. Sometimes, with more time, new information comes to light. When we look back, we may think, “I could have done that differently.” This is called hindsight bias, knowing now what you didn’t know then.
Regret is common when reflecting on past decisions. But it’s important to remember that, at the moment, you made the best decision you could with the information you had. And over time, those experiences help you make better choices in the future because you’ve learned from them.
How to Make Better Decisions with Limited Information
- Ask Questions and Seek More Information:
Before making a decision, gather as much information as you can. Ask questions, do research, and try to get different perspectives. - Think Critically:
Don’t just accept the first piece of information you get. Evaluate it. Is it trustworthy? Could there be more to the story? - Stay Mindful of Emotions:
Emotions can cloud our judgment. If you’re feeling really stressed, angry, or excited, take a moment to calm down before making a big decision. That pause can make a huge difference.
At the end of the day, everyone acts based on what they know in that moment. We’re all trying to do our best, even when things don’t turn out perfectly. Understanding this idea can help you be more patient with yourself and others. Life is full of decisions, and no one is perfect, but by improving how we gather and analyze information, we can make better choices over time.
Next time you find yourself frustrated with someone’s decision, remember: they’re doing the best they can with the information they have, just like you are.