Originally published on December 12, 2016.
I’m struggling with a decision right now.
I’m actively not deciding and it’s driving me nuts.
I do prefer a decision made, rather than living with one unsettled.
As leaders who run businesses, we are called to make many decisions.
And there are always a few that are difficult to make.
As I think about the decision I’m gnawing on, these are the thoughts that run through my mind.
I wonder how much these are like the thoughts you have when you actively don’t decide:
I don’t know what to do.
I’m not sure what the right decision is.
What if I decide to do it and then I don’t want to?
I’m not ready.
I don’t know how.
There aren’t enough resources.
It’s too BIG of an idea.
I’m not good enough to pull it off.
I don’t have the right experience (or my team isn’t prepared).
What I notice about these thoughts is they leave me feeling confused.
As my good friend Brooke Castillo says, “Confusion is ALWAYS a lie.”
Staying confused keeps us stuck.
Staying stuck keeps us from deciding.
When we don’t decide, we aren’t taking responsibility for our own performance and results.
For as much as the confusing thoughts are available to me, so too are ones that trigger powerful emotions and action:
I do know what to do and I will do it.
I know what the right decision is, it will be the one I choose.
I am always ready.
I will figure it out.
I am committed.
I have everything I need, right now to make this work.
I am not confused.
Decisiveness is a practice.
It is developed over time.
It comes from our ability to see through our own confused thinking.
When we notice our mind and recognize it will always prefer to stay confused and indecisive, then we can see beyond the limited thinking that keeps us there.
Decisions are always available.
I think I’ll make one today… how about you?