Why perception is important for better decision-making

As we go through life, we have different experiences that we interpret in various ways. Our perception acts like a pathway that helps us process these experiences.

When we have a thought or receive a signal, there are several ways people explain how they perceive things. Some rely on spiritual beliefs, others focus on science, and some turn to religion.

We process the initial thought by considering our memories, knowledge, and perceptions. We then decide how much attention to give it and form a concept to help us understand and categorize the information.

After processing the signal, we get an output that provides information for decision-making. This process occurs constantly, whether or not we are conscious of it.


While it is the same for everyone, individual processing can vary greatly based on our views of ourselves, others, and the world. Being aware of how we perceive different information can significantly impact our mental health and well-being.

Engaging in practices that create positive feelings, such as gratitude exercises or mindfulness, can enhance our overall mental state.

Making mistakes is part of being human. As mentioned in the section on neurology and emotional intelligence, it’s a fact that we are not perfect and will make mistakes in life.

Instead of criticizing ourselves when we err, we should recognize that mistakes are a natural part of growth. We can improve and reduce errors over time, but perfection is unattainable as long as we are human.

Improving our decision-making skills comes from learning to think more rationally. When we understand what choices are beneficial rather than just going with our initial feelings, we can enhance our quality of life by making tougher but healthier choices.

For instance, we might not want to exercise, but knowing it is good for us helps us push through to feel better afterward. Similarly, while firing an employee can be difficult, it may ultimately benefit the company.

With emotional intelligence, we can better explain why we act the way we do. The part of our brain called the neocortex helps us understand the reasons behind our actions and how they can lead to positive or negative results.

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