H.A.L.T.

Ever make a decision and then immediately regret that decision? That may be the quintessential shared human experience.

I learned how not to make bad choices by making bad choices, and what I’ve learned in various therapies is that there are better ways to obtain wisdom. Better lenses through which one can gaze at a potential decision with eyes wide open and in full possession of the facts.

The mnemonic H.A.L.T. is a tool I wish I had learned in elementary school because it’s easy enough for a child to understand. Plus, if I had learned it then I may have acted more wisely in the intervening years. Whenever you are faced with an important or otherwise meaningful decision, you H.A.L.T. and ask yourself:

Am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired?

If no, then proceed with whatever decision you judge best.

If you answered yes, then it is time to H.A.L.T. the decision until a time when you are not hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. Human beings make poorer, more rash decisions when their basic needs are not met. If you ever have to face a judge, hope that your time in court is after lunch. Studies repeatedly show that judges are more lenient in permitting bail or giving lesser sentences on a full stomach. If your unlucky enough to have your court appointment right before dinner then you should probably pray to whichever divine force that you ascribe.

As a trainer in both my vocation, instructional design, and avocation, lacrosse refereeing, I use mnemonic devices all the time to reinforce big ideas and to chunk complex topics together. I love using tools from my professions to help me in my personal life. I’ve become such a better referee and a better employee by reading and participating in therapies. I believe we can create a much more resilient generation of students if we spent more time teaching skills like H.A.L.T.. They would be better equipped to make smarter decisions, and maybe, just maybe, they’d surprise us by making wise choices beyond their years.