1. Decision Making Shapes Your Life

You know how it is.You’re 21 or 22, and you make some decisions; then—whish!—you’re 70.

—T. Wilder

Your typical day is full of decisions! What time do I get up this morning? Should I wear black shoes or brown shoes? What will I have for breakfast? Do I fill up the car with gas this morning or do it on the way home from work? When I get to work, what do I do first: respond to e-mail, go through my in-basket, listen to my voicemail, meet with colleagues?

Throughout your workday, you’re confronted with dozens more of these mundane decisions. And after work, you get no rest from making choices: Do I make dinner at home or eat out? When will I read the news online and go through my personal mail? Do I want to watch ...

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