I also use a simple version of this, with a key extra step at the end:
1) have a decision you are unsure about.
2) perform randomisation (I usually just use a coin).
3) notice how the outcome makes you feel. If you find that you wish the coin landed the other way, override the decision and do what you secretly wanted to do all along.
You might think the third step defeats the purpose of the exercise, but so long as you actually commit to following the randomisation most of the time, it gives you direct access to very useful information. It also sets up the right incentive, wherein you never really need to work your willpower against your desires (except, I guess, the desire to deliberate more).
I mostly use this for a slightly different use case – inconsequential decisions like where to eat or small purchases, where taking a lot of time to optimise isn’t worth it. Your mileage may vary with more important decisions, but I see no reason in principle this couldn’t work.
I also use a simple version of this, with a key extra step at the end:
1) have a decision you are unsure about. 2) perform randomisation (I usually just use a coin). 3) notice how the outcome makes you feel. If you find that you wish the coin landed the other way, override the decision and do what you secretly wanted to do all along.
You might think the third step defeats the purpose of the exercise, but so long as you actually commit to following the randomisation most of the time, it gives you direct access to very useful information. It also sets up the right incentive, wherein you never really need to work your willpower against your desires (except, I guess, the desire to deliberate more).
I mostly use this for a slightly different use case – inconsequential decisions like where to eat or small purchases, where taking a lot of time to optimise isn’t worth it. Your mileage may vary with more important decisions, but I see no reason in principle this couldn’t work.