Isn’t is amazing that we can be indecisive, even when something fantastic is right in front to us, we hesitate, even when all we have to do is reach out and accept. I have noticed this phenomenon in myself at times, as well as in others. More often than not I have seen people walk away from something potentially life-changing than to make a decision that could radically change their life that had little to no risk involved.
What causes us to be indecisive? This is a deep, and potentially insightful question that could have a variety of causes. Here are a few thoughts.
- Lacking information sufficient to make a decision
There are as many levels of sufficient information as there are people. How much information is sufficient for you? Great decisions are based on information, but have you set the bar at a height where you make few decisions?
In some situations we will never have “enough” information. That puts in a bind, IF, we are not willing to make some decisions by faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.” Start practicing a little bit of faith with some of your decisions. Take a leap every once in awhile and see where it takes you.
- A fear of doing something differently (change)
There is a subtle comfort in our current situations, even when we know, deep down, that those situations are not serving us well. Some people think, “the devil I know is better than the devil I don’t” is the best way to proceed.
We often give far more credit to fear than we should. The fear of failure is at the root of our indecision many times. Shift your focus then. Failure is an event and not a person. If something fails, it is not the end, but merely the beginning. Learn to laugh at the fear of failure.
- Not feeling enough pain
Many of us are indecisive up until that point where we really begin to feel the pain of our indecision. You were unable to make the decision from a pleasure perspective, and now it has almost become unbearable. Time to make a decision, yet the reside of pain lingers long into the process.
Don’t wait until you are in severe pain to make a decision. Next time you start feeling discomfort about something in your life or business, decide to made a decision to do something different. Don’t continue abusing yourself mentally and physically.
- Limited world-view
Sometimes we have never been taught, or learned through experience, that there are better options, approaches, processes, or designs. If a person does not acknowledge the possibility of something greater, they will never make the decisions that will lead them to it.
Socrates felt himself to be one of the wisest men in the world. Why? He stated, “I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.” You should come to grips with the fact that you will never come to the place where you know everything. In fact, it is best to state that we know very little. This type of humility will keep up open to learning great truths.
- Belief that they do not deserve better
This belief mentally cripples and maims people, and will be an anchor on our soul until you are liberated from its hold.
The only difference between those that achieve great things and those that don’t is how those two groups think. Beliefs are the culmination of the thoughts that we keep thinking. Start learning about the power of thoughts and how they create our existence. Read “The Science of Getting Rich”, or “The Secret”. Then move on to Bob Proctors book, “You Were Born Rich”. Teach yourself how to think correctly.
It is imperative that we learn to overcome the above limitations. Not only is it imperative, but it is also possible regardless of your age or education level.
I remember a lesson from a trust mentor several years back, when he challenged us to practice being decisive. The challenge was the next several times you visited a restaurant, instead of poring over the menu for a long time and asking for additional time to make a decision, you were to wait until the wait staff arrived, pick up your menu, open it, and then immediately place your order. The purpose was to learn to make decisions quickly and with purpose.
The journey to be freed from indecision can start today. I trust it will be today for you. Mental freedom is right around the corner, and much closer than you can even imagine.
“The daily practice of gratitude is one of the conduits by which your wealth will come to you.” – Wallace Wattles
I touched on the attitude of gratitude in a prior post, and revealed the importance of gratitude in achieving our goals and dreams in our business and personal lives.
What I want to share with you today is the benefits of practicing gratitude on a daily basis. Develop the habit of giving thanks periodically throughout the day. Upon waking, while getting ready for the day, as you drive, during lunch, etc.
Remember to be grateful for what you have NOW, as well as for what is coming to you.
Sometimes even thinking about the possibility of massive change in your business, or life, can shut you down. Be prepared mentally for just how much of a challenge success will bring to your psyche.
Have you every experienced, or seen someone sabotage themselves like this? Give some thought to this concept and after having identified if it has happened to you, make a vow to learn how to not let it happen ever again.
Give us a call if you would like to explore this topic, and others that will give you the best opportunity to create your ideal business, and ideal life.
I recently had someone ask me what I thought the most important fundamental business principles were, so in order to provide that insight to others, I have decided to publish a series of articles on the “Top 10 Basic Business Principles.”
There is great benefit to reviewing the basics. Being fundamentally sounds makes it possible to build upon a rock-solid foundation.
Here are the principles that I will be addressing over the next several weeks:
- Decide what you do (and what you don’t do)
- Decide who you serve (and focus on them intensely)
- Decide what makes you different (and do it)
- Manage cash flow (very closely)
- Manage employees (incentivize them for success)
- Manage customer expectations (under promise and over deliver)
- Set goals (and go after them)
- Expose yourself (tell the market what you do)
- Persevere (through the tough times)
- Always maintain your integrity (in everything you do)
As each article is written I will turn the items above into a link that will take you directly to that topic. This way, you can bookmark this page, and when you return, you will have access to each topic from this page if you so desire. Another option is to subscribe to my RSS feed.
“What are the advantages to finding time for family and friends as well having an interest outside of work?”
We have a need to grow in all aspects of our lives, not just in our profession, since success is comprehensive instead of compartmentalized. The most successful businesspeople and salespeople are well-rounded. Their growth in their personal lives provides residual benefits for their professional lives as well, but that should not be the primary motivation.
We use our profession to create an environment that makes our personal lives, and the standards by which we want to live them possible. The objective is not an isolated domination of our profession, but rather the fulfillment of a life that uses the profession to make additional opportunities for fullness of life possible.
You most probably have a vision, and definite goals for your work, but have you put as much energy and effort into having the same for your personal life? If not, I challenge you to make it a priority in the coming year.
“The great end in life is not knowledge but action.”
- Thomas Henry Huxley
Somewhere along the line a disconnect occurred between the twin necessities of knowledge and action. There was a time when it was common to acquire knowledge on a subject, or topic, and then taking action to capitalize on the knowledge. The action is what created the success opportunity.
I have noticed a sharp decline in the desire to take action. Many have become comfortable to learn about things that will improve their business, their personal life, or their family, yet they don’t translate the knowledge into an action plan that will drive the change they are looking for.
What about you? I want to challenge you to take action, by contacting me through my contact us form. I will share with you an executive briefing at absolutely no cost to you. You can learn about the options in a no pressure environment. I look forward to speaking with you.
