Ever wondered why you make bad choices? Ankur Warikoo shares 3 things to keep in mind when making decisions

Ever noticed how we sometimes make choices that don’t quite add up later? In the moment, they feel right, almost instinctive, like following a half-lit path without questioning where it leads. It’s not always recklessness; often it’s habit, comfort, or even subtle pressure shaping our decisions behind the scenes. It’s a quiet reminder that not all decisions are conscious; some are simply patterns playing out while we’re busy living. Recently, entrepreneur and author Ankur Warikoo has shed light on the matter.

Ankur Warikoo, who never fails to inspire us with his motivational words and offbeat perspective, has done it again. He has shared an insightful video on Instagram talking about 3 things to be wary of that can lead to wrong decisions. So, without further ado, let’s check them out.

Holding on because of past investment

Ankur Warikoo explained how people continue with something simply because they have already invested time, money, or effort into it. For instance, someone might sit through a boring movie just because they paid for the ticket, even when they are no longer enjoying it. In doing so, they fail to realise that they are not just losing money, they are also wasting valuable time. The inability to let go of past investments can trap people in situations that no longer serve them.

Letting one negative voice take over

Another pattern he pointed out is the tendency to fixate on criticism. Even if nine out of ten people appreciate someone, it is often that one negative comment that lingers. People end up spending days, sometimes even weeks, replaying those words in their minds. Warikoo emphasised that this disproportionate focus on negativity can cloud judgment, lower confidence, and ultimately influence decisions in an unhealthy way.

Falling for false urgency

The third trigger revolves around urgency. Whether it’s booking a flight with “only two seats left” or a concert showing “filling fast,” these prompts create pressure to act quickly. Warikoo noted that such situations often generate a false sense of urgency, pushing individuals to make rushed decisions without proper thought. Instead of evaluating whether they truly need or want something, they act out of fear of missing out.

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Through these examples, Ankur Warikoo encourages people to pause and reflect. Sometimes, slowing down is all it takes to recognise whether a decision is truly one’s own, or simply a reaction to hidden psychological triggers.