The Unexpected Algorithm of Choice

Finding purpose in a world of endless paths

The act of choosing has rarely felt like a simple calculation for me. My journey has unfolded more like an improvisational dance, a series of explorations that have shaped my understanding of the world. I’ve navigated the precision of architecture, the expressiveness of dance, the collaboration of co-design, and the tangible creation of products and brands.

This inclination to explore began early, fueled by a childhood curiosity. I vividly recall trips to Nirula’s, where I’d bypass familiar flavors for the allure of the unknown. I was drawn to the most unusual color — that vibrant purple — simply to discover its taste. It wasn’t just about finding the ‘best’ option, but about the experience of choosing the unexpected.

It sparked my desire to “pick different”.

In the last few years, my decision-making has evolved from pure instinct to a more intentional blend of reason and intuition. Initially, I was driven by a restless energy, juggling roles like a performer in a fast-paced montage. Now, I seek a more harmonious balance, honoring both the deliberate choice and the subtle whispers of my gut.

Kahneman’s Thinking Fast and Slow has always illuminated this interplay for me. I’m recognizing how much of what seems ‘rational’ is actually learnt intuition — the wisdom accumulated from past experiences and stored within my body.

My college experience further shaped this understanding. A sudden enforcement of an attendance policy led to a courtroom battle. The core issue wasn’t just the outcome, but the lack of a clear system. When given the choice to repeat classes or explore, I chose the latter, prioritising a new experience over perfecting the familiar.

To guide future choices, I’m developing a personal prioritisation framework. Imagine it as a set of nested boxes, each representing a different layer of consideration — values, vision, impact. This relates to a peculiar skill I inherited: knowing exactly which box will fit the leftovers — not too big, not too small, just right. My mother attributes this to my paternal grandfather, a precise civil engineer who valued both innovation and accuracy. Like fitting leftovers, choosing well requires visualization and a sense of reasoning that feels ‘right’.

The power of choice lies in defining what truly matters to you.

The art of making good choices is a continuous practice, honed through mindful attention. I’m actively working on:

• Listening to the whispers within: Paying attention to the subtle physical and emotional signals that accompany a choice — the lightness of excitement, the weight of hesitation.
• Seeking the clarity of the outside eye: Sharing vulnerabilities with trusted confidants, valuing their perspectives as a fresh lens. A reminder to Always ask why and to find where things come from.
• Embracing the richness of the in-between: Finding the learning and growth in the messy, unfinished stages of exploration.
• Transforming missteps into stepping stones: Reframing ‘failures’ as invaluable lessons, using them to adjust my course with greater self-awareness. Everything happens for a reason, you just need to find what’s in it for you, turning fear into action.

Ultimately, my choice philosophy is a celebration of curiosity, a dance with uncertainty, and a commitment to designing a life that resonates with authenticity and purpose.

Wear you, be you, different is memorable!