Frames for Decision Making

The Frame of Reference

Everything we experience is through a perspective––a frame of reference.

If you’re inside a moving train, your frame of reference is inside the train, as the train and the other objects inside the train appear at rest.

To someone outside the train, their frame of reference is at rest and the train is moving at speed. The speed of light is the only exception, since at the speed of light all frames of reference are constant. This is a principle of Einstein’s theory of special relativity.

In order to get a full understanding of an event or situation, look from a variety of different frames of reference. This way you can aim towards true objectivity of a given situation or problem.

Account for frames of reference when making decisions. The frame of reference of an observer is a first principle in physics. It is a fundamental axiom about how reality is constructed.

The Third Story

Force yourself to tap into a third story frame of reference to better understand people, their views and their motives. The third story is the frame of reference of an impartial observer.

To tap into the third story reference frame, imagine if the situation you’re attempting to understand or make a decision on was being recorded or filmed. What would an outside audience say about the event? How much of your own view would they share or agree with?

If you can articulate others’ views, you’ll be more likely to make objective or well-considered decisions.