I’ve noticed that the top earners in my network aren’t always the smartest or the people with the most skills. Sure, passion is definitely at the top of that list but another key factor that all leaders must have is the ability to be great decision-makers.
Being a decision maker is key to getting ahead both professionally and personally but not everyone has sharpened these skills. It takes practice and a little listening to your inner voice. Here are 5 tips for developing your decision-making skills:
Stop Procrastinating You have a difficult decision to make. Own it. Leaders don’t tiptoe around making difficult decisions, on the contrary, they thrive on the challenge. The next time you’re confronted with a tough decision, challenge yourself to face it, right away, instead of avoiding it or acting passive-aggressive about it.
Weigh The Pros and Cons When making a tough choice consider the pros and cons of each situation. Make a list if it helps but be aware that some factors will hold more weight than others. For example, if you’re deciding on whether to accept two different job offers, you may find that option 1 offers more pros from your list but option 2 offers the one thing that was at the top of your priority list, say the location you want to be in or more challenging work.
Consider The Big Picture Take a step back and think about the end goal when considering your decision. What was it that you were aiming for at the beginning of your decision-making process? Your decisions should be in line with your ultimate goals. If a decision is taking you away from the big picture you’ve envisioned for yourself, it may be time to reconsider or see how you can decide on a solution that promotes your goals.
Forgo Perfection Done is better than perfect. Sometimes we don’t get a sign or that gut feeling when it comes to big decisions in life. We have to make the best decision with the information we have and be confident that it is the right choice. Great decision makers make a decision and stick to it. Second guessing yourself will only diminish your power and authority.
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green
February 9, 2025 at 4:37 pm (6 months ago)Procrastination is the worse thing to happen to me. I don’t know when it happen, but I’m working so hard to get rid of it.
Angelica
February 10, 2025 at 6:44 pm (6 months ago)Yes, same here. I have to keep reminding myself to “just do it.”
Anosa
February 9, 2025 at 7:27 pm (6 months ago)I worst enemy is my procrastination and I need to stop it, these are some great tips. Thanks.
Angelica
February 10, 2025 at 6:45 pm (6 months ago)yes, later always seems like the best alternative, right? I struggle with this myself.
Liz Mays
February 9, 2025 at 8:40 pm (6 months ago)This is super helpful advice. I definitely tend to delay projects while I’m “perfecting” them. It takes way too long.
Angelica
February 10, 2025 at 6:45 pm (6 months ago)Thanks Liz 🙂
Vicki
February 9, 2025 at 9:19 pm (6 months ago)I have been a perfectionist for as long as I can remember. This is the main area that I need to work on! Thanks for all these amazing tips!
Angelica
February 10, 2025 at 6:46 pm (6 months ago)I’ve been drilling the saying, “done is better than perfect” into my head lately. It helps get things done when I’m over-analyzing.
Carmen Perez
February 9, 2025 at 11:35 pm (6 months ago)Great tips. I sometimes have a very hard time making decisions, but typically can make decisions pretty quickly.
Angelica
February 10, 2025 at 6:47 pm (6 months ago)Thanks Carmen and thanks for the visit!
Cassie
February 10, 2025 at 1:06 am (6 months ago)At times, both my husband and I are horrible at making decisions. We both really need to take some of this advice to heart.
Angelica
February 10, 2025 at 6:48 pm (6 months ago)Please do and I hope it makes the process simpler 🙂
Cat Davis | Mom by the Beach Blog
February 10, 2025 at 1:38 am (6 months ago)I need to print this out and read it every day! Decision making is sooo hard for me. I’m a crazy obsessive perfectionist and go back and forth over every possibility of everything.
Angelica
February 10, 2025 at 6:48 pm (6 months ago)Yup, I’m guilty of that too!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All
February 10, 2025 at 1:59 am (6 months ago)I have found sometimes it’s better for me to delay a decision, not to procrastinate but rather to give it the appropriate amount of consideration.
Angelica
February 10, 2025 at 6:49 pm (6 months ago)Some decisions definitely require sleeping on it. Especially those that pull you in opposite directions.
Wendy
February 10, 2025 at 2:06 am (6 months ago)I am finally better about being a perfectionist but I really need to work on the procrastination.
Angelica
February 10, 2025 at 6:50 pm (6 months ago)I am famous for procrastinating. I find calendaring helps me a lot. If I write it in my calendar it is more likely to get done.
Franc Ramon
February 10, 2025 at 3:42 am (6 months ago)I think decision makers should always see the bigger picture knowing the pros and cons. It’s also important to act fast and be decisive.
Angelica
February 10, 2025 at 6:51 pm (6 months ago)I agree!
Maureen
February 10, 2025 at 3:54 am (6 months ago)I am working on being a better decision maker. I think I am doing a better job of this in some areas of my life.
Angelica
February 10, 2025 at 6:53 pm (6 months ago)I bet everything else will fall into place.
Chantal
February 11, 2025 at 3:44 am (6 months ago)These really are some great tips for becoming confident in your choices. I have really developed these skills over the past year.
Angelica
February 17, 2025 at 1:17 pm (5 months ago)Thanks, Chantal!
kayla
February 11, 2025 at 3:54 am (6 months ago)Oh my god I love these tips! Being able to make a decision is so important! My partner is so indecisive its starting to rub off on me 😛 Time to put the tips into action!
Angelica
February 17, 2025 at 1:19 pm (5 months ago)Thanks Kayla. My partner is indecisive at times too. It definitely rubs off on us!
Martine - MeUnfinished
February 11, 2025 at 4:00 am (6 months ago)My favorite one is to forgo perfection. That is a big reason why I tend to not make decisions wisely. Thanks, great insight!
Angelica
February 17, 2025 at 1:21 pm (5 months ago)Ah, perfection. I struggle with that one too, and overthinking everything.
Hannah
February 11, 2025 at 8:21 pm (6 months ago)These are great tips! I have a friend who is horrible at making decisions. Even small ones lol
Angelica
February 17, 2025 at 1:21 pm (5 months ago)Thanks Hannah 🙂
Tiffany
February 11, 2025 at 10:06 pm (6 months ago)OMG this was so for me! I wait for everyone else to make a decision for me even when I think I know the best. Usually what I thought was the best choice ends up being it!
Angelica
February 17, 2025 at 1:22 pm (5 months ago)Glad you enjoyed, Tiffany.
Peachy A.
February 14, 2025 at 10:01 am (5 months ago)These are great tips especially for managers and leaders. You can also apply this in making important decisions in your life.
Angelica
February 17, 2025 at 1:23 pm (5 months ago)So true. Even managers and leaders struggle with this at times. Thanks, Peachy 🙂