Heuristics - Subconscious Learning

Reading from this wonderful book called "The Art of Thinking Clearly" by Ralf Dobelli there are many lessons which I can vicariously learn from reading and one of these is Heuristic Learning, which is learning by life experience.

To really sequence logical decision making, he states that if we are given 2 choices to make, then logically each and every one of us will need to go through the "fork" or Pro and Con options in the mind using mathematical models, the net gain or loss from the Pros minus the Cons (of course if the Con is subrtacted from the Pros), and the final NET GAIN from either pathway is logically the Action to Take or No Action is required.

Shall I have a snack now (its 11.00 am)  ?  I had a nice Oden dinner at 7.45 pm just now.

YES
Pros 
------ 
    Outcome  (short and long term)                               Percentage        Weightage    

1. Filled tummy and satisfying feeling                            0. 3          X            5        + 1.5

Cons
-------
2. Filled tummy but tomorrow weight gain  (-)                0.3          X             7         + 2.1     
                               
    NET GAIN / (LOSS)        : - 0.6

NO 
----

1. Hungry and some discomfort, no weight gain            0.4          X           10         + 4.0

   NET GAIN / LOSS             :  + 4.0         

So Mathematically speaking and Left Brain saying : Dont Snack !     

99.999% of the people out there will never use this model, in real life, we use a lot os experiential learning to apply to our choices, hence when we make mistakes or poor choices,hopefully we learn and make better choices in the future. Hence Heuristic learning comes into play and the more we interact with people who have 'been there done that' the better our chances of taking the right decisions in every phase in our lives.

That is why there are so many Life Coaches and Gurus offering everything and anything from losing weight, improving your life, your career, your financial situation, your looks and what not.

In addition, for people who have little life experiences, then there are the myriad of Self Help books out there to follow and adapt ; but be warned, each and every person's life experiences CANNOT BE USED 100% as a guide for the person reading it.