A friend of mine recently asked me “How does long-term neuroplasticity impact decision making?”
Her question got me thinking, about the fact that we are the sum of our experiences and memories. It led to this blog. Neuroplasticity is at the heart of making better decisions, and my book, Decision-Making: How to Make Better Choices in a World Full of Options, dives deeper into how you can train your brain to think more clearly and act with confidence.
Grab your copy here Refine your decision-making skills and avoid common pitfalls.
“Can we train our brains to make better decisions?” The answer lies in neuroplasticity—our brain’s remarkable ability to rewire itself based on experience, learning, and practice. Every decision we make strengthens neural pathways, shaping how we think, react, and choose in the future. By understanding neuroplasticity, we can refine our decision-making skills, reduce cognitive overload, and make more confident, effective choices.
How Neuroplasticity Impacts Decision-Making
Neuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt to new information, making decision-making a skill that improves with practice. Here’s how:
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Learning from Experience – Each choice we make strengthens certain neural connections, making similar decisions easier in the future. This is why experienced professionals rely on intuition—it’s a product of well-worn neural pathways developed over time.
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Overcoming Cognitive Biases – Our brains are wired with shortcuts (biases) that sometimes lead to poor decisions. By exposing ourselves to different perspectives and actively challenging our biases, we can rewire our thinking for better judgment.
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Reducing Decision Fatigue – Making too many choices can be exhausting. By forming habits and streamlining routine decisions, we free up mental energy for more critical choices.
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Adapting to New Information – Effective decision-making isn’t about always being right but about adjusting when new facts emerge. Neuroplasticity enables us to pivot and refine choices without feeling stuck in past decisions.
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Embracing Uncertainty with Confidence – Through practice and exposure to complex situations, our brains learn to handle uncertainty better. Over time, we become more comfortable making decisions even when outcomes are unclear.
A Personal Example: Decision-Making in a Tabletop RPG
I recently saw neuroplasticity in action in my tabletop RPG group, where we gather every other week to play narrative-driven games. In the past, I would create an exhaustive list of potential campaigns, making it difficult for the group to decide. Now, I realized that too many choices led to analysis paralysis, so I adapted — narrowing options down based on everyone’s preferences. The result? A decision made in just five minutes.
Had I presented 10, 15, or more choices, the extra cognitive load would have delayed the decision-making process. This shift in approach—learning from past experiences to refine decision-making—is a perfect example of neuroplasticity in action.
When Too Many Choices Require Guidance
There are times when narrowing options isn’t possible, and all choices must be presented. In these cases, providing a well-informed perspective can help guide the decision-making process. However, this comes with a caveat—our opinions can influence others, sometimes leading them toward choices they wouldn’t have made on their own, for better or worse.
The Danger of Indecision
A common misconception is that avoiding a decision is a neutral act. In reality, not making a decision is often worse than making the wrong one. As someone known for being factually decisive, I rely on gathering facts, making a choice, and course-correcting when new information arises. This flexible approach, enabled by neuroplasticity, ensures continuous improvement rather than stagnation.
Building Your Decision-Making Muscle
Neuroplasticity is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. By regularly engaging in critical thinking, challenging biases, and learning from past decisions, we can train our brains to make better choices with greater ease. Decision-making isn’t just a skill; it’s a mindset that evolves over time.
So, the next time you face a tough choice, remember: your brain is adaptable, your decisions shape your future, and with practice, you can become a more confident, effective decision-maker.
JPS Nagi
April 17, 2025