Why brain games won't make you a better decision-maker
Puzzles mostly make you better at puzzles. Reviews of brain-training research have generally found that people improve at the games they practise, with little carry-over to everyday life. If you want to make better real-life decisions, practise on realistic decisions.
5 daily exercises (5 minutes in total)
- The one-line pre-mortem — pick a decision you're facing and finish the sentence “This went wrong because…”
- Fact or assumption? — list three things you believe about the decision and mark each one F or A.
- The cheapest check — for one assumption, name the quickest, lowest-cost way to confirm it.
- The smallest safe step — what version of this could you undo?
- The 30-second review — what did yesterday's decision teach you?
Make it stick
Do it at the same time each day, keep it short, and use real situations from your own life. After a few weeks you'll notice yourself asking these questions without trying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to train your brain to think smarter?
Practise the specific skill you want. For better decisions, short daily practice on realistic decisions works better than general puzzles.
How long does it take to train your brain?
Habits usually start forming after a few weeks of consistent daily practice. Short and daily beats long and occasional.
Do brain training apps work?
They usually improve your score on the games themselves. For real-life decision-making, practising realistic decisions carries over better.