The Power of Making a Quick Decision
In reading the below excerpt from Napoleon Hill I thought back to how many times I’ve not mad
e a prompt decision. Most of times when I DID NOT make a rapid decision it was because I doubted myself.
It’s funny how doubt or scarcity shows up on our lives. When a person has doubt, their decision making capabilities are often extremely slow…like molasses in the winter. When someone has a scarcity belief their decision making is usually wait and see if something better comes along.
When a leader is faced with a decision and has the majority of the information, they make the right decision, and if it’s not…they make the decision right.
John Wooden said it this way – “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”
How often have you asked someone what they have planned on a certain day and time and they respond “Nothing, why?” Then you ask them if they want to go some place or do something and then they respond. “I don’t know, I’ll have to see what comes up.”
Just to seconds ago they said they were free and now they have to wait to see what comes up….c’mon man! Make a commit to something…make a decision.
If we consider that how a person does anything is a reflection of how they do everything (Festinger, 1957; Hoelter, 1985; Willensky, 1960), then how quick do think this person can make an important decision?
We are faced with opportunities everyday of our lives, only to have them slip away because of procrastination in making a decision.
Read through this excerpt and as you do think about how often this has happened to you?
Promptness of Decision
by Napoleon Hill
“Observe people wherever you will and you will notice that those who cannot make up their minds are neither popular nor successful. How charmed are you by the personality of a friend who cannot decide whether he, or she, would like to participate with you in some form of activity? Such a person puts you at a real disadvantage. You have invited his participation and are yourself sincere about wanting to do whatever it is you have in mind. By his indecision he prohibits you from securing another partner in the venture, and leaves you in the uncomfortable position of not knowing whether or not you will be able to go ahead with your plans.
Promptness of decision is a very important factor in the attainment of a pleasing personality, and it is a very prominent trait in all successful persons. It is a habit which can be acquired through self-discipline. Promptness of decision develops as a result of a confident, constructive, sure and progressive positive mental attitude. It is closely related, as you will readily perceive, to definiteness of purpose, the starting point of all achievement.
We live in a country where individual achievement is possible on a grand scale because of the great abundance of opportunities in every calling. But opportunity waits for no man. The man with the vision to recognize opportunity and the promptness of decision necessary to embrace it will get ahead.” – Source: PMA Science of Success Course. Pgs. 169 & 170.
So…anything come to mind?
Sure, it’s sometimes scary to make a prompt decision and it does take mental strength and guts, but the rewards are worth it! Not only will your personal performance increase exponentially, but your personal develop and you mindset will grow as well.
Let me ask you to reflect on these questions:
- What really holds you back from making a prompt decision?
- What action steps can you take TODAY that will improve your decision making?
- How will your live improve when you are able to make prompt decisions?
Please share your thoughts and comments below.
