Strategies for Decisiveness

​by: Dr. Laurence C. Mascay

One of my former college professors once said, “Every second is a decision.” The simple act of waking up in the morning is a decision. Deciding whether to eat or not is a decision; choosing to sit or not is a decision. In life, it is unavoidable to make decisions, no matter how small or big they are. Hence, decisiveness, defined as “the ability to make decisions quickly and confidently” by the Cambridge Dictionary, is important because of its impact and repercussions.
 
In the Scriptures, it is written, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’”. An implication of this passage is decisiveness. Humans tend to change their minds quickly due to circumstances, feelings, and moods. Thus, careful planning and thinking, along with calculated risks, must be considered in decision-making. Because once a decision is made and acted upon, it is hard to undo. On the other hand, John Maxwell, an authority on leadership, said: “Once a decision is made, you should stop worrying and start working. It’s not always what we know that makes it a good decision. It is what we do to implement and execute it that makes it a good decision.”
 
The following are some suggested strategies from various sources to help you become more decisive. One: Clarify your values and priorities. Understand what matters most to you and what your long-term goals are. Two: Gather information. Make sure you have all the relevant information before deciding. Having a good understanding of the situation will help you make a more informed choice. Three: Think about the pros and cons. Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each option. This will help you see which one is better. Four: Ask for advice. Don't be shy about seeking input from others, significantly if the decision affects them or they have expertise. Ultimately, take responsibility for your decisions.
 
By incorporating these strategies into our decision-making process, we can become more decisive and confident in our choices. We entrust the outcomes to the Lord as we apply these suggested strategies. The Book of Proverbs reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
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