Even the greatest minds are afraid when they lose. The Nobel Prize Richard Feynman, who helped develop the atomic bomb, contributed substantial advances to quantum mechanics and particle physics, discovered the cause of the space shuttle Challenger disaster and popularized science as an intelligent and successful author, faced this fear when faced with a food menu. How many different dishes should he order on a menu before deciding on a favorite? Feynman used the theory of probabilities to solve the problem. Below I present the formula he developed with Ralph Leighton:
The number of dishes to try = √ 2 (remaining meals in restaurant 1) - 1
The fear of losing is a paralyzing force. It still afflicts mathematical geniuses, to our consolation. Having calculated the number of dishes to try, Feynman could rest his mind at will, knowing that in all likelihood, he would eat the best dish on the menu.
With the panoply (set of things of the same kind) of options before us as founders, investors, managers and employees, the fear of missing important meetings, conferences, marketing initiatives, job seekers, investment opportunities is rampant. There is always one more meeting to attend, one more person to attend, one more option to consider.
Within this last meeting, we seek security and validation that the choice we made is the right way. But the by-product of the relentless pursuit of the "best" can be debilitation. The fear of losing, disperses our attention, undermining the focus that is often so necessary for success.
Feynman likely suppressed his fears. Most of us will not approach problems with the same rigor. But, we are all looking for the same peace of mind.
We want the freedom to trust our decisions and intuition. I think it's about accepting that, as written on Facebook pages, done is better than perfect. It is more important to move on to start with a good decision, than to optimize for the best decision. The good is the enemy of the great.
I don't need a menu, thanks. I'll have the spaghetti, with tomato sauce and meatballs.
Enjoy and watch the video below, because making decisions is not regretting.
The opinion presented in this article is the responsibility of its author and not of ABES - Brazilian Association of Software Companies.
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