The Power of Not Being Impulsive in Making Decisions

decision

Jason Fired, founder of 37 Signals and Hey World wrote recently about the power of him not being impulsive when making decisions.

He shares that he used to be a hothead, but has improved significantly due to introducing the word “yet” into his vocabulary.

Jason says that utilizing “yet” has allowed him to absorb things instead of pushing them away impulsively. He’s found joy in things that he would have previously rejected. Json now encourages others to be open and not rush to judgment as there is no rush or benefit in doing so.

Decisions should still be made when needed, but allows for experiences without decisions that can help uncover deeper understanding of things that are often discarded quickly.

As a small business owner or entrepreneur, making decisions is a daily task. From choosing which supplier to buy from, to determining the pricing of your products or services, every decision you make has an impact on your business. However, sometimes we get caught up in being impulsive and making quick decisions without proper thought or consideration. In this blog post, I want to discuss the different types of decisions, why being indecisive is not the answer, and the power of being open to learning from others.

There are four types of decisions, that I thought of, and they vary on the degree of thought and consideration given to them.

4 Types of Decisions

The first type is indecision, where a person cannot decide and takes no action. The second type is no decision, where a person takes no action because they believe there is no decision to make. The third type is decisive, where a person makes a decision based on information and analysis. The fourth type is open to learning, where a person is willing to listen to others and change their decision based on new insights.

Indecision

Being indecisive is not the answer, as it can lead to missed opportunities and stagnation. Instead, it is important to weigh the pros and cons, consider the impact of the decision on your business, and make a decision based on available information. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind. If new insights or information become available, and they change the potential outcome, it is okay to pivot and make a new decision.

Open to Learning

Moreover, being open to learning from others is a powerful tool. It allows you to take advantage of the experience and knowledge of those around you, and integrate new ideas into your decision-making process. You don’t have to make every decision alone, and relying on others can lead to more informed and better decisions. The key is to be open to new ideas and perspectives.

It is also essential to consider the consequences of impulsive decisions. Rushing to make a decision without proper consideration can lead to financial, legal, or reputational harm. It can also cause conflict with partners or employees, who may feel left out or ignored. Taking the time to make thoughtful decisions can prevent negative outcomes and improve relationships.

Finally, realizing the power of being open to learning can lead to innovation and growth for your business. Listening to feedback, acknowledging weaknesses, and improving processes based on feedback can lead to better products, services, and workplace culture. Being open to learning and change can take your business to the next level.

In summary, there are four types of decisions, and being indecisive is not the answer. However, it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons, consider the impact of the decision on your business, and make a decision based on available information. Being open to learning from others is a powerful tool that can lead to informed and innovative decisions. Still, it is also essential to consider the consequences of impulsive decisions and take the time to make thoughtful ones. In the end, the power of not being so impulsive in making decisions can lead to a successful and thriving business.