I have a theory. Decisions are the end result of a groupings of experiences. When faced with a decision, we consider previous experiences, analyze their results and make the decision that will best suit our needs.

 One of the oldest investing axioms is to diversify your investment portfolios. The basic thought is to protect your income by spreading your risk across several different companies, industries and/or currencies. Couldn’t this same strategy be used in our decision making processes?

Portfolios: 

Here’s my case…

When a kid touches a hot surface for the first time, that experience is registered in their portfolio. Now, if they never have a surface-touch interaction again, that first experience carries 100% of the experiential weight. They will go through life, thinking all surfaces will be hot. As that same child touches more surfaces (hot, cold, rough, smooth), he/she grows their portfolio of experiences and increases their range of decision-making ability.

I’m calling this an “Experiential Portfolio.”Experiential portfolios are the groupings of experiences we use to make decisions.

Should We Be Intentional? 

If you want to make good decisions, and you agree with my premise, wouldn’t it make sense to attach a high level of value to what you experience? And if that’s true, shouldn’t we be very intentional with what we experience? This type of thinking is very similar to smart investing. We need to choose the sectors of experience that have the most potential to yield the highest value.

If you want be a golfer, surround yourself with new golf experiences. Any one interaction won’t be enough to get to the pros (if that’s your goal); much like touching one surface can’t teach a child about all surfaces. But, combine years of golf-related experiences…then you have something.

I’m going to be thinking about this for a while. Any input into this idea would be welcomed. It may increase my own experiential portfolio. Send me an email or talk about it on my Google+ page.