1.9: Chapter 1 Activity

Last updated
Save as PDF

Page ID: 110080

\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

When making important decisions, we’re often able to think of one or two obvious options, but we might stop there which means our decision-making may not be comprehensive. In the SMART decision-making model explained in this chapter, Step 2 is to brainstorm as many “measures” or options as possible. In Step 2, we are not judging our measures yet - we will do so in Step 3 when we “assess.” For example, in a life situation where a student needs to make more money, measures we might think of immediately include getting a second job or another higher-paying job. Other measures include accepting more student loans or starting a side hustle walking dogs. A measure that sounds silly but still is an option is to win the lottery. Remember, in Step 2, you’re brainstorming, not yet assessing.

Your turn to practice that brainstorming in Step 2. Think of an important decision you need to make in your life (or recently made).

What are the first two obvious measures that came to your mind?
What are two more positive measures that could be options?
What are two more measures that might seem silly or even negative that could be applied to your situation?