Most decision problems are not “analysis vs intuition.” They’re “when do I switch?”
If you never switch, you pay a predictable cost: either you over-check, or you under-check.
Tool: “three-mode ladder.”
Mode 1 (Intuition): write a one-sentence direction based on your best sense.
Mode 2 (Analysis): write the two biggest assumptions behind that direction.
Mode 3 (Verification): choose one check for the riskiest assumption.
Then stop. Decide the next step.
Micro‑story: you’re about to send a tough message. Your gut says “say it now.” Analysis says “this could backfire.” Verification says “read it once and ask one person if it lands.” That’s the ladder.
Misconception to drop: “Switching means I’m inconsistent.”
Switching is what skilled decision-makers do. Consistency is in your process, not in one mode.
If the ladder feels too heavy, shrink it: pick one assumption and run one check. That still counts.
A useful sign you should switch: you feel stuck repeating the same thought instead of learning something new.
7‑day plan: build a default switch.
Each day, run the ladder on one decision (small is fine).
By day 7, you’ll know which step you tend to skip—and your one “missing step” becomes your training focus.
3‑line review template:
• My first direction was: ____.
• The riskiest assumption was: ____.
• The one check I ran was: ____.