When David Alan Tepper says, "I think when it comes to decisions, I try not to be emotional. To drown out the noise and look at the important facts," he's emphasizing the importance of maintaining a rational and objective mindset when making decisions, particularly in the context of investing or business.
Here's a breakdown of his statement:
- Avoiding Emotion: Tepper suggests that emotions can cloud judgment and lead to irrational decisions. Emotions like fear, greed, or excitement can influence decisions, often to the detriment of the outcome. By consciously trying not to be emotional, he aims to maintain clarity and objectivity.
- Drowning Out Noise: In the world of investing and business, there's often a lot of "noise" - distractions, rumors, market volatility, etc. Tepper implies that it's crucial to filter out this noise and focus on the relevant information that genuinely impacts the decision. This could involve ignoring short-term fluctuations or unsubstantiated rumors.
- Focusing on Important Facts: Tepper stresses the significance of prioritizing relevant and reliable facts when making decisions. By doing so, he ensures that his decisions are based on solid evidence rather than speculation or gossip. This approach helps people make more informed and rational choices.
In essence, Tepper's statement reflects a disciplined and pragmatic approach to decision-making, particularly in fields where emotions and external factors can easily sway judgment.