Hat, Haircut, or Tattoo: A Framework for Making Good Decisions
Heard someone (technically saw someone) on Twitter (X) the other day say:
“I think about decisions in three ways: hats, haircuts, and tattoos.”
So I decided to steal their framework and make it into a blog post (sorry). I think it will be helpful to you, it certainly has been for me.
Alright, the idea is that there are three types of decisions and in order to make one well you need to know which of the three it is.
Let’s start with the hats.
1. Hat Decisions
These are your low-stakes choices. The ones you can try on, take off, and switch up.
- Trying a new hobby
- Testing a business idea
- Dating someone new
The strategy: As Facebook says, “Move fast and break things”
Try on as many “hats” as you can. The cost of a mistake is low, so go wild.
Every big win starts as a “hat” decision.
2. Haircut Decisions
These are your medium-commitment decisions. Not permanent, but not a quick fix either. Like that time I got a mullet.
Other examples are:
- Changing jobs
- Moving to a new city
- Investing in education or a degree
With haircuts, take a little to think about it but don’t be paralyzed into inaction. Remember, hair grows back. Even if it’s a disaster, you’ll recover.
My take: I once took a job that ended up really sucking. It was uncomfortable for a while, but guess what? 6 months later I was onto bigger and better things.
3. Tattoo Decisions
These are the big ones. The choices that’ll stick with you like that spring break tattoo.
- Getting married
- Having kids
- Choosing a business partner
Move slowly. Think carefully.
My take: When I decided to marry my wife, it was a tattoo decision. It changed the course of my life.
Was it a massive commitment? Heck yeah. So I took my time making it and then went all in.
Now, here’s the million-dollar question: How do you know which decision is which?
A few questions you can ask yourself are:
- Can I easily undo this decision?
- What’s the cost (time, money, emotion) of changing my mind?
- How long will the consequences last?
Most decisions aren’t tattoos. We just treat them that way. We agonize over hat decisions when they can be revered without long term consequences
So next time you’re faced with a choice, try asking yourself: Is this a hat, a haircut, or a tattoo?
Try on lots of hats. Don’t stress too much about haircuts. And for those rare tattoo decisions? Take your time.
– Josh
