If you’re ever unsure about a decision, you should flip a coin. I mean it, for real, you simply cannot go wrong. It’s foolproof. Here’s why:
The art of flipping a coin is an inherently flawless and undeniably truthful decision-making process. It removes the conscious analytical biases and all other predisposed considerations that might otherwise alter or influence a choice prematurely, before you’ve in fact arrived at a sound basis of conclusion. In other words, for classic over-thinkers (such as myself), it removes the element of thought. It is fate speaking directly to you. Let me further clarify.
If you flip a coin, you get an answer. Simple. A pure answer. An UNBIASED answer. One that cannot be swayed by the currents of premeditated opinions and cannot be tailored by personal preferences. It’s as if fate looks you in the eyes and tells you what it wants from you. But that’s the why of achieving a perfect answer via flipping a coin, not the how. I’ll elaborate.
If you are stuck with a choice, a dilemma heavy enough to cast any shadow of doubt, flipping a coin can guide you to the best resolution. There are two possible outcomes:
A) You flip the coin and are immediately satisfied. Win.
B) You flip the coin and are immediately dissatisfied. Also win.
But how, you might ask, can two directly opposing conclusions lead you to the same successful outcome? Also simple.
If you flip a coin and you have no hesitation at the result, that is your gut, deep down, telling you that this is the answer you’ve wanted all along. Whatever selections you are deliberating between, if you feel immediate relief when that coin has fallen, you can rest assured that you are making the right choice. Perhaps, a wave of calm comes over you, and you should enjoy that sense of well-earned relief that the right choice has been made.
If you flip that same coin and the result gives you any degree of anxiety, of hesitation, or even the slightest disappointment, then your course of action is obvious. In fact, it’s almost better this way. Do the other thing. It can, and will, help you realize which course of action you don’t want or shouldn’t take. Sometimes listening to the knee-jerk reaction of your emotions, rather than analyzing options to the bone, is equally important. In other words, trust your gut. That little voice that sometimes peeps into your ear, whispering when you might have a bad feeling about something, is a very important voice to listen to. Flipping a coin and getting the undesired result is an indirect way of listening to that voice, and that can directly lead you to the best decision.
Now, there are some simple rules to the all-holy coin flip. It is imperative that these guidelines are respected, or else the purity and effectiveness might be corrupted. Here are the rules:
1) You must clearly define the question, or dilemma, as well as the two possible, opposing outcomes, prior to the flip. While perhaps obvious, the alternative outcomes at hand must be very distinguishable and specific, and there must only be two. Each should then be assigned separately to match the heads versus tails options provided by a coin. Furthermore the question must be simple and deliberate; any complication or potential misinterpretation could void the result. There cannot be any outs or contingencies on the result. The coin will flip and a direct answer will be given, with no room for open-ended debate. The answer is clear cut and forces you to take action.
(Note: I find that questions formatted with a simple yes or no answer work best.)
2) The coin used must be a quarter. Have you ever heard of epic stories where someone puts it “all on the line”, relying on fate for guidance, and then flips a dime? I didn’t think so…
(Note: Also, dimes are difficult to flip.)
3) The quarter in play must be a classic G.W. original. No fancy state quarters or commemorative tokens.
(Note: This isn’t actually a rule. I’m making this part up.)
4) Respect the flip. Finally, you must honor the outcome and must be comfortable getting a result you might not want. Remember, this is a way of listening to your gut to determine the right decision. So you need to accept that both options considered are in fact valid options. If they aren’t, then you have to rewind and get a better understanding of the problem or decision you face.
(Note: In this situation, re-read Rule 1.)
If you abide by these rules and revere the truthfulness of the coin, it will never fail you. It is an immaculate process to cut through the white noise of decision-making and profoundly arrive at the best possible actions, always.*
*Results may vary
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