Why you should go with your gut

news@nature.com ^ | 16 February 2006 | Helen Pearson

[Wonder Warthog]

"But the theory doesn't mean that going purely on impulse is a good idea: you still need some information to mull over before making your decision."

THE most important part of the article. Spend time gathering background info, and study it. Then set the problem aside and work on something else. In a day or so, the most likely answer will "pop" into your head. BUT YOU HAVE TO LOAD THAT GUN FIRST.

I've used the trick for years with great success. It works.

[GOPJ]

Haven't we always sensed this to be true?

[clyde asbury]

I prefer Ann Coulter with thought and reason.

Think about it.

A truly rational decision considers emotions as part of the whole. Thoughts/feelings is a false dichotomy.

BTW, I would much prefer Ann to Katie!

[clyde asbury]

Spend time gathering background info, and study it. Then set the problem aside and work on something else.

Author Ray Bradbury used to say that before he would publish a novel or short story, he would set it aside for a full year without looking at it at all.

[ebersole]

I recommend the book "blink" by Malcolm Gladwell. It is a good book on this topic.

[LurkedLongEnough]

I'm gonna need some time to think this over.

[phantomworker]

Thank you. The Women's Health Studies demonstrates how difficult it is to do any type of statisitical analysis with any amount of certainty, yet the article was one of the best written that I've seen so far. I liked this part:

Dr. Nabel acknowledged that statisticians often frowned on using subgroups, but, she said: "Medicine is an art. You take the data you have in hand and do your best to interpret it for the individual sitting across the table from you."

[phantomworker]

THE most important part of the article. Spend time gathering background info, and study it. Then set the problem aside and work on something else. In a day or so, the most likely answer will "pop" into your head. BUT YOU HAVE TO LOAD THAT GUN FIRST.

That makes sense. It often does work that way. You can trust your intuition and instincts, but it has to be loaded with ammo first. Thanks!

[phantomworker]

Spend time gathering background info, and study it. Then set the problem aside and work on something else.... Author Ray Bradbury used to say that before he would publish a novel or short story, he would set it aside for a full year without looking at it at all.

I remember hearing that in high school and it must have resonated because it works for me.

[AndrewB]

Just make sure you keep it above the belt...

[Ciexyz]

Most interesting. I tend to make snap decisions, myself. If it feels right, and it's better than what I had, I'll go with it.

[Principle Over Politics]

Good decision.

[diamond6]

bump for later