In this era of globalization, we live our daily lives by involving various types of decision-

making processes in achieving goals or objectives. Being independent as a good decision

maker helps us solve problems quickly and effectively. Rational thinking plays a significant

role in making a good decision. We will sometimes think irrationally and contribute to

making wrong decisions and living with regret. In fact, despite all the limitations, we will

learn how to manage and practice rational thinking to minimize its impact on the decision-

making process. We will spend too much time on regrets and this will affect our ability to

make good decisions. We need to move forward and realize that regret is not productive.

According to Robbines (2004), there are four conditions in which you would likely to

experience regret. The first condition is feedback has to be present. We will experience

regret when we compare the chosen alternative with the one we rejected when we made a

decision. Therefore, we need to know how the decisions we make in the fact that we are

having regrets. Feedback on the results play an important role for the cause of regret. For

example

The second condition difficulty of the decision. When making a very difficult

decision, we will expect regret. This is because the more difficult the decision, the more

likely we are to regret when making the decision. The tough it is for you to decide, the more

regret you feel after choosing one option and handing over the other. For example

Third condition is when the outcome of the decision will be quickly known. If our

decision is quickly known to us, we will feel regret. For example, we regret not being careful
while driving and then having an accident. We cannot bear the consequences of the decision.

For example

Fourth condition is the more irreversible a decision is, the more you regret. We will

be upset if we stop continuing our studies to be to a higher level. So the more irreversible the

decision is, the more you regret when something bad happens. When making a decision,

don’t take it lightly because you will regret it when the decision cannot be changed. Still, we

can work hard and make efforts to correct past mistakes like we can progress to higher levels

by working hard and getting our degree. With this, we will feel less likely to experience

regret about our past decisions. For example

Rational thinking plays a significant role because good decisions are built on

rationality based on logic, calculated analysis, and careful search for information. According

to Robbins, there are six steps to rational decision-making.

The first step is to identify and define the problem. To solve a problem, we must first

determine what the problem is. We keep in mind during identifying the problem to identify

the cause of the problem, not the symptoms. For example, recently my windshield was hit by

a rock while driving on the road. I am thinking of buying a new car to overcome this

problem. Buying a new car is the solution and I still haven't identified the actual problem.

Identify the real problem is unsafe driving with a broken windshield. Then, driving more

safely, I decide to repair a cracked car window by identifying and defining the real problem.

We need to use a rational approach to determine what the problem is. Though this starting

place might seem rather obvious, a failure to identify the problem clearly can derail the entire
process. It can sometimes require rational thinking to find the central issue that must be

addressed.

The second step is to identify decision criteria. Decision criteria are principles,

guidelines, and requirements to make a decision. It involves what criteria are important in

making a good decision. In this step, we will act as problem makers and consider criteria such

as values, goals, time, cost, interests, and preferences in making decisions to achieve goals or

objectives. Additionally, we will keep in mind the function of the evaluating mind because it

is this list of criteria that is in our mind that determines our decision. We may face different

results if two or more people are in the same situation and have different lists of criteria. The

list of criteria will be different from each other. Therefore, in a rational process, decision

criteria are very important. We must be identifying the criteria that are important or relevant

to resolving the problem. For example, unsafe driving can be overcome by repairing cracked

windshields by using a rational approach.

We acted as decision-makers on identify decision criteria. Moving to step 3, we will

also place significant emphasis in weigh the list of decision criteria processes. On making

rational thinking, we decide which criteria should be prioritized first and list the right ones to

prioritize in the decision-making process. For example, repairing windshield damage is an

unfortunate burden many vehicle owners have to bear. On making rational decisions, I

analyze the list of decision criteria such as using insurance, type of glass, repairing cost and

time, or use a DIY windshield repair kit rather than obtaining professional repair help.
 The fourth step is to generate alternatives. As decision-makers, we will collect and

analyze alternatives that will be good and practical in solving the problems that we face.

Once we weigh the criteria, raise evidence for or against those alternatives on making a

rational decision. For example, I have listed some alternatives to overcome my windshield

problem in making rational decisions. Alternatively, I can use my family member's vehicle,

buy a new car, use public transportation to get somewhere, or can use the "GrabTaxi" and

"GrabCar" as private rental cars.

In step 5, we will move in a focused manner to identify, analyze and critically

evaluate each alternative in the list of alternatives that have been compiled. For example, I

have listed and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the criteria in each alternative. Next,

compares it with a list of criteria and then weighs alternatives based on the prioritized criteria.

The 'pros and cons' method can be used especially for making a rational decision.

Moving on to the final step, this step will help us make the decision-making process

more rational. We will reach our best choice, our optimal choice where we choose the

alternative from step 5 that gets the highest score. For example, I have chosen the alternative

that gets the highest score. Finally, I repaired my car's windscreen by evaluating the strengths

and weaknesses which help me to make good decisions rationally.

Deciding rationally helps us be good decision-makers. Rational decision-making

involves an objective, logical, and analytical data . However, there are times when we will

make decisions that will not change as expected, and we may often make mistakes when

choosing the right course of action. We all regret it and want a chance to make another
decision. Sometimes rethinking our past decisions can help us learn from our mistakes and

successes, however, most of the time rethinking our past decisions is a waste of time and

effort. We need to remember that rational thinking is very important in decision making. We

should all understand that nothing is perfect, we will inevitably make mistakes and when we

make mistakes, we need to move forward and not be afraid when making decisions in the

future.