Are you good at making decisions? I feel like I’ve always been a wishy-washy type of person and I HATE wishy-washy! I immediately recognize it in other people (as a weakness) and yet, I haven’t made any strides to develop this skill in myself. I truly admire people who can quickly and confidently make a decision. It truly is a skill and I’m sure for most people, it’s something that takes time to develop.
In Robert Greene’s book, the 48 Laws of Power, he advises to “enter action with boldness. If you are hesitant to take a course of action, do not attempt it. Everyone admires the bold; no one honors the timid.”
The first time I read that it really struck a chord with me. Decision-makers choose a side and do it confidently. Even if it’s not necessarily the best decision at the time, they have chosen to take action. A lot better than inaction, right?
Being wishy-washy is cute when you’re young but you get to a place in life where you feel like you should be better with this very important life-skill. Having a family and balancing a full-time job I’m confronted with decisions all day. Sure, some decisions are bigger than others (for the record, it’s very hard to pick a lunch spot, day after day in Manhattan) but when I’m confronted with those that really have me stumped, like where to live, where my kids should go to school, should I quit my job and work from home? These are major. The good thing is, I’ll even go so far as to say it’s enlightening, that the more I think about my own decision-making process the more I realize that all my decisions are tied to my values. And as I’ve gotten older, my values have definitely gotten a lot sharper and more focused.
When you’re confronted with a difficult decision or a situation that requires a decision to be made, think about what path is more in line with your values and priorities. Unfortunately, it’s not always the easiest outcome or what’s the most convenient. It’s more important for the decision to be a reflection of what’s important to you, that’s how you know you’re heading in the right direction.
Are you good at making decisions? What’s your decision-making process like?
Scott
April 16, 2025 at 2:47 pm (3 weeks ago)I tend to investigate before making a decision. But once it is made, I stick with it. Otherwise you really haven’t committed to it.
Angelica
April 16, 2025 at 4:46 pm (2 weeks ago)That’s the hard part for me, Scott- sticking to it. You’re ahead of the game!
Brooke Knipp
April 16, 2025 at 5:16 pm (2 weeks ago)That’s exactly what we help clients do in life coaching-identifying core values that make up the foundation of who you are. Decisions become much clearer when that’s established. I struggle most when all the options are good, not a bad decision to be made-for instance, schooling for our daughter next year: we have a number of options and they each have strong points and none have many downsides. So while it’s good to know we probably can’t mess up, it’s difficult to choose!
Angelica
April 16, 2025 at 8:24 pm (2 weeks ago)Options can be overwhelming! I find it’s always helpful to be grateful to have choices in the first place, right? That’s a tough one, Brooke. I’m still struggling with actually letting my daughter go to school. I registered her yesterday for pre-k and I was sobbing in the registration office. True story.