Just Two Minutes: Leave the Emotions Out

Bite-sized dental wisdom in under 2 minutes.

Here’s the rule: don’t make decisions based on emotions. Make decisions based on concrete numbers.

I can probably count on one hand the number of times I’ve made a business decision emotionally. I pride myself on making sure I have the evidence, know the numbers, and keep the feelings out of it.

Now, any other decision? Completely emotional.
New pair of designer jeans? Instantly makes me feel 10 years younger.
The latest set of Gordon Ramsay pots and pans? Wife of the year, obviously.
New kid playset to match the slightly outdated but completely usable older one? Ultimate supermom status.

So yeah, emotions drive my daily life. But “business” Alex? To quote one of my favorite movies: “It’s the way he flies. Ice cold. No mistakes.” 

Want to make clear, rational decisions? Here’s my framework:

1. Let the numbers speak. Start with data—it doesn’t lie. Emotions, on the other hand, will convince you to ignore the facts.

2. Focus on the process, not just the outcome. If your decision works out, you can replicate it. If it doesn’t, you have a clear map of what went wrong. I’m all about learning from mistakes, so I don’t keep making them.

3. Prioritize when you’re overwhelmed. When everything feels like a mess, list your issues, pick the one at the top, and focus there.

4. Skip the dwelling. Your brain is wired for survival, not success. It’ll push you to play it safe, so don’t give it the time to take over.

5. Be willing to pivot. If the decision isn’t producing results, shrug it off and make a quick shift. No time for ego.

So here’s a recent example of this. I’m working on a new software project, and the development team sent over a few quotes based on the proof of concept. (Translation: “proof of concept” is a tech term for building something we’re not totally sure will work—kind of like when some dentist decided to wedge a paperclip in a tooth to make the amalgam last longer. Same thing, proof of concept.)

Quote #1: bare bones of the software gets built for a cheaper cost.
Quote #2: software is feature-rich, gets done faster, with a higher price tag.

But I’m really excited about this project, and I want to go all in. Yikes, that’s emotion creeping in.

So, here’s the choice: Do I pick the lower-cost, lower-risk option, get something basic built, and then gather the data to see where to go from there? Or do I take the full-speed-ahead option that costs more but lets me launch faster if it works?

Here’s how I decided:

1. Numbers: I have no data yet. Crap. It's just this (hopefully) killer idea. But that's emotional so it doesn't count. I do know that if I go with the higher price option, I will be poorer temporarily, so there goes the expensive pots and pans set. Oh well, being a good wife is overrated.

2. Decision process: Enter the trusty pros and cons list.

   • Pros for the Bare Bones Version: Costs less, lets me test without risking too much.

   • Cons for the Bare Bones Version: Slower, less exciting (but excitement is an emotion, so…not relevant), did I mention it would be slower?

3. Prioritize: The only decision that matters right now is bare bones vs. full send. Not how I’ll market it, what the margins are, or whether the logo should be navy or electric blue. (Isn’t business fun?) If I don’t even have a functioning product yet, why waste time thinking five steps ahead?

4. Make a quick decision: This one took me less than a day but it does help to sleep on it and come at it fresh in the morning. 

5. Final Choice: I’m going with the bare-bones paperclip option. Less investment, more flexibility if I need to pivot. Time to gather the numbers and then base decisions on the data. 

So set emotions aside when making business decisions, because chances are, they’ll lead you to the wrong choice—or no choice at all. What starts out exciting eventually turns into hard work, and if you didn’t make the decision for the right reasons, you won’t build anything that lasts.

-Dr. Alex

P.S. Why do we still come across weird stuff in teeth?