Ability to Decide

If you have trouble making decisions, running a business is not for you. Ditto if you're the type of person who needs to know everything and then needs time to ponder everything before finally, grudgingly making a decision.

There's even a name for this: analysis paralysis. 

Running a business is hard. Leadership is just as hard (and sometimes harder). Both often require quick decisions, which may mean following your gut and making the best decision you can, with the information you have at the moment.

Yes, you may make a mistake but not making a decision is a decision in itself. Think of it this way: Let's say you have an option between two vendors and can only choose one. You need the services they offer but are not sure which one to go with. While you're undecided, the issue you need them to solve is going unsolved (and may be getting worst), whereas if you had decided on one of them—even the wrong one—you'd have learned something and made a step forward.

So much in life and business is just that: a small step forward (see previous post on small steps and wins). By not taking that step forward, even if it's the wrong one, you lose more: in potential business, in the example you are setting for your team, and in your own growth and potential. And the unmade decision will keep weighing on your mind and mental resources, inhibiting your ability to be fully in the present and at your best.

Not deciding is a lose-lose proposition.

A fun way to become more comfortable thinking on your feet and making quick decisions is improvisation. I've written about it before and you can message me for more information.

Takeway: Get comfortable making quick decisions since not deciding is a decision with negative consequences to you and your business.

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