HackMake

The Important Part of a Decision

Decisions can be overwhelming. We try to understand the problem as much as possible so we can make informed choices but this often leads to paralysis by analysis. We’ll often delay making a decision until we can get feedback and affirmation that we aren’t about to make a big mistake. The problem is that most of the time, the people you’re seeking input from are just as unqualified (or less) to make that decision—the reality is they just don’t care about your problems—and waiting on them is not making it any easier to pick the right thing.

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

—Theodore Roosevelt

The problem with not making a decision at all is that you’re losing momentum and allowing the fear of choosing to grow to a level that can become unsurmountable. Make a decision and keep moving forward, whether it’s in the perfect direction or not. There probably isn’t a right or wrong anyway and the important part of decision making is that you actually make one.