We have become so conditioned to accepting almost everything we see in our online bubbles that we click on and agree to all sorts of things without really thinking about the possible consequences or anticipating outcomes. Two recent stories in the current cultural zeitgeist highlight this hijacking of our brains.

Now that the board of 23andMe has resigned en masse and there are indications that the troubled company may be sold, there are numerous calls online for people to delete their data and close their accounts.

Yet more than 15 million people have used 23andMe globally to learn more about their genetic ancestry and be tested for several conditions.  Remarkably, despite calls by ethicists, legal scholars, some scientists, and others over the years that 23andMe has been operating without regulatory guardrails, and the security breach in which hackers got a hold of the data of some 7 million users, the 15 million or so people who have used 23and Me’s services over the years did not foresee the possibility that their genetic data might be sold, along with the company, to the highest bidder.

The second case is a lesser-known recent story that might have slipped under your radar. A couple from New Jersey who suffered injuries while riding in an Uber that was involved in a crash, has been prevented from suing Uber and must accept arbitration because someone in their family had “accepted” the terms of agreement (using Uber Eats) which state that disputes will be settled by arbitration. Most of us have agreed to Terms of Agreement on an app that we quickly scrolled through without reading in our haste to use the app, and don’t take the time to consider what consequences or risks might arise should something go awry.

It’s certainly possible to be well-informed and decide that the benefits (e.g. convenience) outweigh any risks (e.g. privacy or confidentiality of information), however there’s evidence from a Deloitte survey that 91% of people consent without reading the terms of agreement. A tweet by University of California Davis law professor Elizabeth Joh, says it best when it comes to terms of agreement: “First rule of data: once you hand it over, you lose control of it. You have no idea how the terms of service will change for your “recreational” DNA sample.”

Beyond deciding about direct-to-consumer genetics, or specific apps or digital services, we need to start thinking carefully about how we make decisions and in particular practice anticipatory decision making both about using services online or on our mobile devices as well as in daily life.

Typically, most people react to events after they occur. Anticipatory decision making encourages a forward-looking mindset that considers not only immediate outcomes but also the long-term implications of each choice. Anticipatory decision-making isn’t just about reacting to what’s happening now but involves thinking ahead, considering potential outcomes, and preparing for the future. Whether it is used in daily life or healthcare, the ability to anticipate and prepare for future events can improve outcomes.

What is Anticipatory Decision-Making?

Anticipatory decision-making refers to the process of making decisions in advance based on possible future scenarios. It involves envisioning different potential outcomes, weighing their likelihoods, and deciding on a course of action before an immediate decision is necessary. This contrasts with reactive decision-making, where choices are made in response to an event or crisis.

The key to anticipatory decision-making lies in proactive thinking, planning, and situational awareness. Whether in daily tasks like managing personal finances or in complex healthcare decisions, anticipating future possibilities and challenges allows for more thoughtful, less stressful decision-making.

Why it Is Important to Practice Anticipatory Decision Making

One of the greatest advantages of anticipatory decision-making lies in its inherent ability to manage risks. Traditional decision-making tends to focus on past experiences and current datasets which can limit decisions. By contrast, anticipatory decision making encourages you to think ahead and identify all factors that could potentially influence future results. By practicing anticipatory decision making you can minimize risks, seize opportunities and build resilience both professionally and personally.

1. Anticipatory Decision-Making Reduces Stress and Anxiety. One of the greatest benefits of anticipatory decision-making is the reduction of stress. When you plan, you are less likely to feel overwhelmed when situations arise. Whether it’s a family emergency, a work project, or a health crisis, having a plan reduces the panic and confusion that can come with making rushed decisions. For example, if you’ve prepared an emergency fund, a sudden car breakdown becomes a manageable problem, not a catastrophe.
2. Anticipatory Decision-Making Improves Outcomes. Anticipatory decision-making allows you to make better decisions because you are thinking clearly and weighing options without the pressure of an immediate need. In healthcare, making decisions ahead of time regarding end-of-life care, advanced directives, or potential treatments can ensure that a person’s wishes are followed and that their care aligns with their values.
3. Anticipatory Decision-Making Enables Empowerment. By anticipating possible future events and preparing accordingly, you maintain some control (keeping in mind that you can never have full control) over your life and decisions. This is particularly important in healthcare, where unexpected diagnoses or medical emergencies can take a toll on both patients and their families. When patients engage in anticipatory decision-making, such as discussing treatment preferences with their families and their healthcare professionals, they retain a sense of agency even in uncertain times.
4. Anticipatory Decision-Making Can Prevent Avoidable Issues. Often, problems can be mitigated or avoided altogether through anticipation. Planning ahead can help identify potential pitfalls before they become real problems. For instance, thinking about genetic predispositions or family medical history can prompt proactive health measures.

How to Practice Anticipatory Decision-Making in Daily Life

Incorporating anticipatory decision-making into your daily life can enhance your ability to handle challenges. Here are some strategies to help you practice this:

1. Plan for Long-Term Goals: Thinking long-term means considering how your decisions today will impact your future.
2. Consider Different Scenarios: Anticipatory decision-making involves envisioning different possible futures. Take some time to think about various scenarios that could arise in your personal or professional life. For example, if you’re a business owner, consider how changing market conditions, new competitors, or technological advancements could affect your business. By preparing for multiple possibilities, you’ll be able to respond more quickly and effectively when one of those scenarios plays out.
3. Build Resilience through Preparedness: Anticipatory decision-making also involves preparing for unexpected challenges. Building resilience by anticipating difficult situations and developing contingency plans can make it easier to navigate life’s unpredictability. For example, having an emergency savings fund, kit and plan for evacuation (should the need arise) in the event of a fire, hurricane or other natural disaster makes life less stressful when unanticipated events occur.

Anticipatory Decision-Making in Healthcare

In healthcare, anticipatory decision-making is particularly crucial because of the often-complex nature of medical decisions. Patients and their families are frequently faced with decisions that have profound impacts on quality of life, health outcomes, and finances. In this context, the stakes are higher, and anticipatory decision-making can offer peace of mind and better alignment with personal values.

Here’s how you can practice anticipatory decision-making in healthcare:

1. Research and Understand Potential Health Risks: If you have a family history of certain diseases, such as heart disease or cancer, anticipatory decision-making can involve taking preventive actions and making lifestyle changes to lower your risk. You might also discuss genetic testing options with your doctor to understand your likelihood of developing particular conditions and plan preventive care accordingly.
2. Plan for Aging and Cognitive Decline: Anticipating the possibility of cognitive decline due to aging is a difficult but necessary part of healthcare planning. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are common concerns, and planning ahead can help families navigate the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of caring for a loved one with cognitive impairment. Preparing power of attorney, discussing care preferences, and understanding long-term care insurance options are important steps. For caregivers of dementia patients, anticipatory decision-making can involve creating a plan for gradual care escalation, including in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home facilities as the disease progresses. This approach minimizes stress during the later stages of the illness when decision-making can be even more challenging.
3. Stay Informed About New Medical Advances and Technologies: Healthcare is constantly evolving, and staying informed about new treatments, technologies, or protocols can be a part of anticipatory decision-making. By understanding the latest developments, you can make more informed decisions about your care or the care of loved ones. This is especially important in the context of chronic diseases or conditions that may benefit from new treatments or research findings.
4. Communicate with Healthcare Professionals Early and Often: Open communication with healthcare professionals is vital for anticipatory decision-making. Asking your doctor about potential treatment options, side effects, or the progression of a condition can give you a clearer picture of what to expect in the future. For example, if you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness like hypertension or celiac disease, early discussions about treatment plans, lifestyle changes, and possible future complications can prepare you for the road ahead.

Overcoming Barriers to Anticipatory Decision-Making

While the benefits of anticipatory decision-making are clear, there can be barriers to implementing this approach:

1. Emotional Resistance: Many people avoid anticipatory decision-making because it forces them to confront uncomfortable realities, such as illness or aging. Overcoming this resistance requires acknowledging that proactive decisions now can reduce suffering and confusion later.
2. Lack of Knowledge: In healthcare, patients may not fully understand their options. All the new technologies and digital health strategies are adding to the overwhelm. This is where education and open dialogue with healthcare professionals become essential.
3. Uncertainty: Even with planning, uncertainty about the future is inevitable. However, anticipatory decision-making doesn’t require perfect predictions. Instead, it emphasizes preparation and flexibility.

Anticipatory decision-making is a powerful strategy that enables individuals to approach life and health challenges with confidence, and clarity.  By planning, anticipating and considering various outcomes, and preparing for potential challenges, you can reduce stress, improve decision-making, and enhance your overall quality of life.

Do you practice anticipatory decision-making? If so, how has it helped you make better decisions?

Photo by Acy Varlan on Unsplash