Two Ways We Make Decisions
The Difference Between Outcome and Identity-Based Choices
When making decisions, many people operate in two different ways, even if they don’t realize it.
One is called the logic of consequence. The other is called the logic of appropriateness.
Let’s break them down.
The logic of consequence is all about outcomes. You look at a situation and think, “What will happen if I do this?” You try to figure out what will give you the best result. It’s like playing chess. You think a few moves ahead and make the one that works best for you.
The logic of appropriateness works differently. Instead of asking, “What will happen?” you ask, “What’s the right thing for someone like me to do in this situation?” It’s about who you are and how you want to show up. You’re not chasing a result. You act based on your identity, values, and the person you believe yourself to be.
Neither is right or wrong. Most of us use both, depending on the situation.
I think it’s powerful to understand the difference and know when each one serves you.
If you’re always thinking in terms of consequences, you can get stuck overthinking. Always calculating. Always worried about what might happen. That’s a lot of pressure. And sometimes, it makes people freeze or play it safe.
On the other hand, when you operate from appropriateness—when you know who you are, what you care about, and what you’re committed to—you can move forward with more clarity. You’re not constantly trying to “figure it all out.” You show up and act in alignment with your values.
That doesn’t mean consequences don’t matter. They do.
This isn’t about ignoring results, justifying bad choices, or doing whatever you feel like in the moment. Acting from appropriateness isn’t a free pass. It’s a responsibility. When you’re clear on your values, you take actions that align with those values and consider the impact. It’s about integrity, not impulse.
And here’s the key…
It’s easier to act from the logic of appropriateness when you’re clear on your values, goals, and identity. If you don’t know who you are or what you’re aiming for, it’s hard to know what’s “appropriate” for you.
That’s why so much of personal development work is about gaining clarity.
It’s about asking:
What kind of person do I want to be?
What do I stand for?
What kind of life am I building?
You don’t have to guess or constantly calculate your next move when you have answers to those questions. You already know the kind of person you want to be and you start acting like it.
So, next time you’re stuck in a decision, you can pause and ask yourself:
What am I basing this on?
Am I chasing an outcome?
Or am I being the kind of person I want to be?
Asking questions like these can shift everything.
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