>> Why We Have This Emotion
Doubt slows us down from making premature commitments. It prompts us to verify and check for errors so we can avoid costly mistakes and refine our beliefs before acting.
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Separate facts from assumptions
- Look for disconfirming evidence
- Consult trustworthy sources
- Sleep on big decisions
- “What evidence do I need?”
- “Is this urgent, or is this just uncomfortable?”
Bad Ideas
- Ignore doubts and charge ahead
- Treat your feelings as facts
- Use doubt to avoid responsibility
- Treat doubt as proof of weakness
- Ask everyone’s opinion first
- Ruminate endlessly without collecting new information