Broad Framing

Every day we are presented with choices. We have a set of eyes and ears, a nose, a tongue, a whole body of touch sensitive skin, a mind, and thousands of relationships. We are aware. We are conscious. We act. But we can't keep everything in mind when we do. Memories, beliefs, arguments, loved ones, goals and desires disappear from our peripheral vision. Then we choose. 'Narrow Framing' describes the way we tend to see each decision in isolation. We worry. We think each second will be life defining. 'Broad Framing' takes each decision in the context of all the other decisions. Everything is important, but almost nothing is worth worrying about. 'If you need to take care of something, the worrying will make you less rather than more effective' (Tyler Cowen). Broadening the frame gives things their proper place and helps decrease worry.

See 'Thinking Fast and Slow' by Daniel Kahneman for more on Narrow & Broad Framing