How much do you need to know?

Gathering information takes time.

Time is, as many people routinely attest to, our most valuable asset.

It is therefore prudent to ask of any decision for which we feel like we need more information: “how much do I realistically need to know in order to move forward?”

Going from zero information to some information is a big leap.

In contrast, the value of going from 80% of the information you’re interested in to 90% is debatable. Is the 10% difference likely to change your mind, or was the 80% already enough?

The worst use of our time is to keep gathering information where it’s no longer helpful.

At best, we simply don’t realize that we have sufficient information.

At worst, it’s a stalling tactic because we’re afraid to make a decision.

It is better to be critical of how much information we really need, to make a call when we feel like we’ve obtained it, and to move on.