Inertia Decision Test

A decision-making framework about how inertia keeps people stuck doing things they wouldn't choose to start today. Here's the key insights from Shaan Puri's experience.

Core Concept

• Inertia explains why 90% of people keep doing what they're doing
• Key question: "If I wasn't already doing this, would I start it today?"
• Forces you to re-evaluate current commitments without status quo bias

Real World Example: Company Exit

• Shaan was running a company that wasn't performing well
• Asked himself:
  • Would I start this company today?
  • Would I hire these same people?
  • Would I pursue this opportunity?
• Answer was "hell no" to these questions
• Led to decision to exit the company

Where to Apply This Framework

• Business commitments
• Investment positions
  • Example: Having concentrated position in Amazon stock post-acquisition
  • Question: "Would I put all my money in Amazon if starting fresh?"
• Relationships
  • Many stay in relationships just because they're already in them
• Jobs
  • People stay in roles they wouldn't choose to start today

Why It Works

• Removes emotional attachment to sunk costs
• Forces objective evaluation of current situation
• Helps identify when you're running on inertia vs. conviction
• Makes it easier to recognize when change is needed

Implementation Tips

• Regularly stop and question current commitments
• Look for areas where you're just continuing out of momentum
• Be willing to act when you identify misalignment
• Don't let comfort or familiarity cloud judgment