Slow down your thinking to make smarter decisions

Fast thinking feels efficient—snap judgments, “thinking on your feet.” But decades of cognitive research show our first reaction is often outdated, colored by emotion or old assumptions. In 2015, psychologist Daniel Kahneman described two systems of thought: System 1, rapid and automatic, and System 2, slow and deliberate. Relying solely on System 1 can lead to biases, overconfidence, and costly mistakes.

Consider Vanessa, a project lead who habitually agreed to every speaking invitation for exposure. Within months, her calendar overflowed and her main work stalled. Then she tried a slow-thinking experiment: each time an invite arrived, she said she’d respond next day. Overnight, she noticed that only half the invites mattered, and some she’d forgotten entirely by morning.

Kahneman’s work underscores the value of forcing System 2 engagement. A 24-hour pause gives your brain time to process additional information, correct emotional distortions, and connect dots you’d otherwise miss.

By institutionalizing that delay, you create space for insight, reduce regret, and align actions with long-term goals. Next time you’re pressed for an immediate reply, remember: Slow down to think smarter.

When someone asks for your quick yes, say you’ll get back after sleeping on it. Before bed, write down your gut response, listing hopeful points and worries. In the morning, compare your fresh thoughts and decide from this calmer, broader viewpoint. You’ll find more balance and fewer regrets. Try it on your next request.