Can Your Decision Wait? Should It?
Procrastination about deciding is common. Especially for those big decisions, the high-risk kind. Can your decision wait? A better question may be, “Should it wait?”
The timeliness of decisions always feels problematic. Going too soon may involve some remorse later. Waiting too long, well, it may be too late.
The waitstaff may I ask, “Are you ready to order or do you need a few more minutes?”
That new car purchase, the salesperson may suggest, “Take your time. We’ve only had one other person looking at this vehicle.”
Sometimes it is the anticipation of what we may end up with or the opportunity that we might miss.
Some people will throw it out to fate, “If it is meant to be, it will be.”
Spring into Action
Emotionally we can be influenced to spring into action. It is what marketing does, the savvy salesperson, or our toe tapping friend with little patience.
Most decisions we make feel like the right decision at the time. We analyze and assess the playing field, the market, and the forecast. At the exact moment we make the decision it is the right decision.
As what happens next unfolds our decision may hold up to be good, or be bad, but at the time we made it, it was good.
Decision Wait
We can procrastinate about decisions for long periods of time. So much so that we completely miss opportunities.
If you were in business in the late 1980’s and waited long enough about the decision to purchase a fax machine, today, you’re in luck. You’ve never had to purchase a fax machine.
Be careful of the marketing that gives you a shove. Watch out for friends who suggest, “No risk, no reward.”
When the decision is yours, make a smart choice, do it with intention. Things always change. You say when.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
