This-or-Better is a goal-setting principle that emphasizes achieving a desired outcome while being open to the possibility of attaining a superior result. The phrase frames a mindset where the desired outcome is seen as a baseline, and the individual is encouraged to remain adaptable for improvements beyond initial expectations.
Key Principle
The foundational idea of This-or-Better is non-attachment to a single specific outcome. It is goal-oriented but remains flexible, recognizing that unforeseen outcomes may surpass the original goal. The principle acknowledges the limits of foresight and encourages openness to emergent possibilities.
Historical Origin
The phrase This-or-Better has no clear singular origin but is often associated with positive thinking, goal-setting methodologies, and adaptive strategic planning. Its earliest conceptual uses may be traced back to spiritual or self-help literature, where it was used as a mantra for manifesting better outcomes. Over time, it has evolved to be applied more broadly in decision theory, project management, and strategic initiatives.
Application in Strategic Thinking
This-or-Better is widely used in contexts requiring adaptive strategies, particularly where uncertainty or complexity makes exact predictions difficult. This principle allows for rigorous planning while still accommodating unexpected developments, which may exceed expectations.
Connection to Cognitive Flexibility
This concept encourages the cultivation of cognitive flexibility, a trait where individuals or groups maintain the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. This is particularly valuable in problem-solving environments, research settings, or projects where the exact path to success is not known.
Practical Examples
- Negotiations: When setting the terms for an agreement, This-or-Better thinking allows negotiators to aim for specific terms while staying open to potentially more favorable outcomes that might arise during discussions.
- Research: Scientists may propose a hypothesis, but by applying the This-or-Better principle, they remain open to results that might surpass their original expectations, leading to serendipitous discoveries.
- Project Management: In managing complex projects, setting a clear objective while also acknowledging that some innovations or results may exceed the initial goals encourages teams to be proactive and creative.
Relation to Optimization and Bounded Rationality
This-or-Better thinking aligns with optimization but departs from it in that it accepts bounded rationality, where decision-makers recognize that they do not have perfect information and that unforeseen superior alternatives may present themselves.
Distinctive Aspects
- Non-dogmatic goal orientation: Unlike rigid goal-setting methods, This-or-Better encourages flexibility and adjustment, allowing for better results than initially imagined.
- Focus on unexpected positive outcomes: The principle integrates the possibility of superior results, which distinguishes it from mere contingency planning that typically prepares for negative outcomes.
- Adaptive mindset: This principle encourages practitioners to remain receptive to emerging opportunities, aligning with the modern need for agile methodologies in various disciplines.
Big-Picture Connections
- Innovation: In innovation-driven fields, This-or-Better thinking can act as a catalyst for breakthroughs by fostering a mindset that actively seeks improvement beyond fixed goals.
- Evolution of Thought: The principle reflects a broader trend in systems thinking, where rigid top-down control gives way to more dynamic, feedback-driven processes.
- Decision Theory and Risk Management: It intersects with the concepts of decision theory, particularly in situations involving high uncertainty. This-or-Better encourages a balance between risk-taking and flexibility.
