Napoleon Hill in his book ‘Think and Grow Rich’ demonstrates that there is a direct relationship between the ability to make decisions and the accumulation of wealth.
In a study of 25,000 people it was discovered that the main reason for their failure was the inability to make decisions. Conversely, those men and women who were successful (success being measured by the amount of money they made) reached decisions quickly and were slow to change those decisions once they were made.
Henry Ford
One of the greatest examples of someone who made decisions quickly and was slow to change them was Henry Ford. So definite was Mr Ford that he was often considered intransigent. However, there can be no doubt that his dogged determination and faith in his own ability to make decisions helped him amass a huge fortune.
Perseverance
In addition to making decisions promptly and exercising the quality of ‘stick-at-it-ness’ is the strength of character which prevents a person from being influenced by the opinion of others. For example, if you were to present a business idea to a room with fifty people, each one would have their own opinion. Which one is right and which one is wrong?
Personal Illustration
From my own perspective, I left a very secure teaching job last year to start my own business. Most people were of the opinion (some still are) that this was a foolish and reckless decision. However, I was prepared to be independent of the good opinion of others and stick to my decision. Consequently, I am writing this article as a professional coaching consultant having attained a coaching diploma in addition to my graduate and post-graduate degree qualifications.
Another strategy I used to prevent me from being swayed by the opinion of others was to take a break from the constant bombardment of 24 hour news.
Such is the economic doom and gloom continuously regurgitated by the media that to make any financial departure from what is considered safe would be considered folly and irrational.
However, I can report that I have made more money from passive income this year than I have at any other time. Furthermore, I have been on five foreign holidays and embarked upon several DIY projects. Had I allowed myself to be saturated by the ‘prophets of gloom’ in the media then my life would have been less prosperous both financially and personally.
Enough of me! Suffice to say that most of the time I consider the well-meaning opinions of others as none of my business.
Advice vs. Opinions
Please note though that I’m not suggesting you ignore the solid advice that your personal advisors may wish to offer. However, beware of opinions which may carry a hidden agenda! Seek out the information you need and avoid disclosing your plans to people who may be, or could become your competitors. You have a mind of your own – be sure to use it.
Decision Making
The good news is that to be a competent decision maker is a skill and can be learned. However, like all skills it requires practice and guidance.
At LokoVita, we will help you develop the necessary personal and interpersonal skills to become a good decision maker. LokoVita will be your ‘invisible,’ non-business partner, who will shoulder with you the day to day pressures of working life and help you achieve the professional goals you have set yourself.
Conclusion
To be a good decision maker requires courage and strength of character and a quality decision maker knows what they want and get it.
Remember, the difference between those who are successful and those who are failures is their ability to make decisions. Successful people reach decisions promptly and change them slowly. Those who fail reach decisions very slowly and are prone to change them quickly and often.
Be prompt and let contacting me be your first step on the road to sound and solid decision making. I look forward to hearing from you!
