Deciding to decide can be one of the most difficult things we do. Going through the intellectual and emotional gymnastics of deciding is not always easy. It can keep you up all night, weighing the pros and cons. It can take your energy and attention from other important matters. It can be a difficult, stress-filled time. But getting caught in the trap of indecision is equally as bad, because not deciding is a decision. When you delay your decision, time, fate and circumstances will decide for you, and you may not like the outcome! When we are indecisive, we forfeit our future and we waste time, energy, talent, money and opportunity. Making a wrong decision is not the end of the world. We can change our minds!

Each day, we are faced with literally thousands of decisions: get up or sleep in; go to work or take the day off; turn right or turn left; say yes or say no! Author-philosopher Wilfred A. Peterson says, “Decision is the courageous facing of issues, knowing that if they are not faced, problems will remain forever unanswered.” Every decision is a judgment, a choice between alternatives. One of the payoffs of being a decision maker is that each decision helps to develop good judgment. I like the story of the old mountaineer who was celebrated for his wisdom. “Uncle Zed,” a young man asked, “How did you get so wise?” “Weren’t hard,” said the old man. “I’ve got good judgment. Good judgment comes from experience, and experience…well, that comes from making bad judgments.”

I know that I can strengthen my role as a decision maker. I have the will to decide and can hold myself accountable for the consequences and learn from the process. I can clear my mind, refuse to settle for a quick fix and prepare for the future. I can decide to make a difference. When I decide to decide, things will happen. You have the same ability. Go for it. As Norman Vincent Peale said, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you are among the stars.”