Decisions, decisions, decisions. They’re a normal fact of life. However what happens when the whole decision-making process is anything less than normal?
According to Brainfacts we make thousands of decisions each day with many so easy, we don’t even know we’re making them.
Just this morning, I’ve already made numerous easy decisions such as “Shall I get out of bed now or allow myself a few extra minutes to snooze? Do I feel like tea or coffee? Should I write in my gratitude journal first or should I study my daily devotion?” – just to name a few.
While these decisions may seem trivial (and easy to make) there are times when making a decision can be more difficult. Painfully so.
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Years ago my husband and I had an opportunity to purchase a block of land. We were told these properties would significantly increase in value, due to their location and plans for development by the local council.
However, being cautious when it comes to large chunks of money, neither of us was able to come to a decision.
Our indecisiveness and delay meant that we missed the opportunity with all the blocks being snapped up quickly – something we secretly were thankful for as we no longer felt the pressure of having to come to a decision.
However you can imagine our disappointment and utter annoyance at ourselves when 12 months later one of my husband’s colleagues (who had jumped at the opportunity to make the purchase) sold the land for four times his original investment.
A lesson learned.
And, one I’ve taken with me into my business. The last thing I want in business is to be in a position of regret because I wasn’t able to come to a decision.
What about you?
Are you able to come to a decision quickly?
Or are you like some entrepreneurs who find decision making a constant challenge.
Indecision can be debilitating – even terrifying.
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Why do we struggle with indecision?
When looking back at the times when I’ve been unable to make a decision – the reason was because of my lack of confidence and self doubt.
My husband and I lacked confidence and therefore doubted our ability to make the right financial decision with the purchase of the property.
In hindsight, we should have sought advice from trusted industry advisers so that we were better informed.
Instead, our indecision had us take the head-in-the-sand approach where we chose to ignore the situation and let fate make the decision.
An unwise move.
Here are some unwise moves when it comes to business decisions:
- A program you’ve been putting off investing in because you can’t afford it – even though you know the skills you’ll learn will allow you to more than double or triple the investment in the program;
- You’re undecided about hiring a coach/mentor yet have been struggling for years to take your business to the next level on your own;
- You have an opportunity in front of you that could take your business to the next level, but you’re not sure you’re quite ready to make the leap, so the proposal sits on your desk, still incomplete.
- … [you fill in the gap].
You can’t build a successful business when you’re sitting on the fence of indecision.
Like George Canning said:
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How to overcome indecision in business
Here’s what helped me.
I made a decision to MAKE a decision as promptly as possible – Yes OR No.
If the answer is ‘No,’ move on – with no regrets.
If the answer is ‘Yes,’ plan out what you need to do, and get into action.
- Decide and move on; OR
- Decide and take action.
Now it’s your turn.
Is there something you’ve been struggling to make a decision on? Make a decision to make a decision. Yes or no.
Make your choice.
Join in the conversation: Ever find yourself unable to make a decision? What have you done to ensure indecision doesn’t keep you stuck in the downward spiral of indecision?
