How to Make Better Choices by Picking the Consequence First

A four-panel comic showing a woman choosing her desired outcome before taking action, using the metaphor of a stick to illustrate consequences.

Have you ever said yes to something, only to regret it the next morning? That late-night task seemed manageable at the time, but then you woke up feeling foggy and exhausted. The truth is, every choice you make comes with a built-in consequence—like picking up a stick and automatically getting both ends. The secret to better decisions? Choose the ending you want first, then act accordingly.

Face the Choice

Imagine you're at your desk late at night. A task is calling, and one end of the metaphorical stick says 'Say Yes to Late Task.' It's tempting to grab it, especially if you're someone who thrives on getting things done. But pause for a moment.

Before you commit, recognise that you're not just choosing the action—you're also choosing everything that comes with it. The time, the energy, and the trade-offs are all part of the package. This moment of awareness is where better decisions begin.

See the Consequence

Now, look at the other end of that stick. It says 'Tired Morning,' with a foggy brain icon floating nearby. Choices carry consequences, even if we don't actively label them. When you agree to that late-night push, you're also agreeing to wake up slow and unfocused tomorrow.

Try this 10-second check before you act: say out loud, 'If I do this, what am I also choosing this afternoon, tonight, and next week?' If the answer isn't a future you want, it's time to swap the action. For example:

  • Trade 'cram now, crash later' for 'plan now, finish calmly'
  • Swap 'stress-eat tonight' for 'prep meals, feel energised'
  • Choose 'set boundaries now' over 'burn out next month'

This simple check stops you from reacting and helps you start designing your day.

Pick Your Ending

Close your eyes and imagine the outcome you actually want. Picture yourself tomorrow morning: refreshed, enjoying your coffee, ready to tackle the day with clarity and energy. This is the ending you're designing.

When you begin with the end in mind, decisions become clearer. You're not fighting urges—you're following a design. Whether it's choosing calm over chaos at work, planning ahead instead of scrambling, or protecting your energy with clear boundaries, the principle is the same: pick the ending you want first.

Act Accordingly

Now make the choice that leads to your desired outcome. Close the laptop, write a quick plan for tomorrow, and give yourself the rest you need. You've just designed your better morning.

This approach works for any decision. Ask yourself what you want the 'other end of the stick' to look like, then choose the action that naturally creates that result. It's not about willpower—it's about clarity.

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