Decision-making is one of those things that separates the high-flyers from the headless chickens. In business and in life, your ability to make the right calls quickly can mean the difference between thriving and just barely surviving. But let’s be real, most people are terrible at making decisions. Either they procrastinate until the choice is made for them (usually in the worst possible way), or they overthink things to death and still end up making the wrong move.
So, how do you sharpen your decision-making skills? Here’s my take.
1. Understand That No Decision Is Perfect
Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. If you’re waiting for the “perfect” decision, you’re already losing. Most of the time, a good decision made quickly beats a perfect decision made too late. Accept that every decision carries risk, and the goal is to make the best possible call with the information you have.
2. Speed Matters But So Does Strategy
Making decisions quickly doesn’t mean making them recklessly. Train yourself to gather key information efficiently. Identify the 20% of data that will give you 80% of the insight (hello, Pareto Principle). Then, make your move. In business, speed often beats size, ask any startup that disrupted an industry while bigger competitors were still having endless meetings.
3. Use the ‘Two-Minute Rule’ for Small Decisions
Not every decision needs a full-blown strategy session. If it’s a low-stakes decision like choosing a software tool or deciding where to meet a client, give yourself two minutes. Make the call and move on. Save your mental energy for the big stuff.
4. Leverage Your ‘Future You’
One trick I swear by: ask yourself, “What will Future Me wish I had done?” Looking at your decision from the perspective of your future self removes emotional clutter and forces you to focus on long-term impact. If Future You would shake their head at your hesitation, that’s your cue to act now.
5. Recognise Decision Fatigue & Automate the Small Stuff
Ever notice how some of the most successful people wear the same outfits every day? That’s because decision fatigue is real. The more decisions you make, the worse your judgment becomes. Reduce unnecessary choices: set routines, use checklists, and automate whatever you can. That way, when a big decision comes up, your brain isn’t already fried from deciding what to have for lunch.
6. Trust Your Gut (But Verify It Too)
Intuition is powerful, but it’s not infallible. Gut feelings are often your brain recognising patterns before you consciously do. But before acting purely on instinct, do a quick logic check. Is your gut feeling based on experience and insight, or is it just fear, ego, or wishful thinking? Smart decision-makers balance intuition with rational analysis.
7. Get Comfortable with Course-Correcting
Bad decisions happen. You’re not psychic, and no one gets it right 100% of the time. The key is recognising when a decision needs adjusting and acting fast. Course-correcting isn’t failure, it’s part of agility. The worst decision isn’t making the wrong move; it’s stubbornly sticking to a bad one.
8. Surround Yourself with Sharp Thinkers
Your decision-making is only as good as the inputs you get. If you’re constantly getting advice from people who don’t know what they’re talking about, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Seek out people who challenge your thinking, not just those who agree with you. A strong, diverse network is a game-changer.
Final Thought: Action Beats Indecision Every Time
At the end of the day, business (and life) rewards those who take action. The worst-case scenario of making a decision is usually better than the slow death of making none. If you want to get better at making decisions, start making more of them. Trust yourself, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward.
Now, go make some decisions and own them.
The content in this blog is intended to provide general insights and should not be regarded as professional advice. Each business situation is unique, and we recommend consulting with a professional for specific guidance. At Black Arrow Business Studio, we specialise in accounting and consulting services designed to support your business’s growth and success. Feel free to contact us for expert advice and customised solutions.
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