Nothing is more difficult than to be able to decide – Napoleon

I like complexity as you’ve seen by now. This quote raises one such complexity about decision making. Most often we’re trained to think that decision making is a binary process. Make a list of pros and cons – then you’ll be able to decide. I only wish life was as simple as that. This quote by Napoleon lays it out beautifully – nothing is more difficult than to be able to decide!

What these quotes ignore is how hard and complex it is to segregate something subjective into objective criteria. Yet it is the best advice we get for decision making. Let’s face it – it’s the best advice because no one else knows anything better. This only means – tour decision making is a subjective exercise and you need to figure out what works best for you.

Nothing is more difficult than to be able to decide – Napoleon

Let’s face it. Decisions are difficult. They don’t come to use at ease because there’s always something to lose. I don’t want to discount the pros and cons exercise because it has saved me in the past. For most simple decisions it works like a charm. If nothing, it transparently lays out in front of you the benefits and losses of the decision you’re able to make. And there’s a lot of merit to that. Most people will tell you that you must take decisions quicker. Your gut will tell you what to do. As much as I respect the gut, it can’t take logical decisions, neither can it weigh options. It might take the most exciting or fun decision or the most conservative one. This type of decision might not always work out for you. Hence, the need to treat each of these situations on their merit and make the most of your time.

The fault is when we think that’s all there’s to decision making. Nothing is more difficult than to be able to decide. Once we decide, our mind manifests this incredible capacity to line things together and find out how to make it work. As Paulo Coelho says, the entire universe conspires to make it happen.

Decision making is complex

The main point I’m however striving to say is that – decision making is not easy. Please don’t fall into the trap of people who tell you how to take decisions or how easy it is. Only you’ll know to appreciate the complexity of things. You’ll know the right thing to do and only you face the loss of a decision.

So, don’t bother wasting your time convincing someone or asking for help from someone to take your decisions. It is a sacred activity and for your own sake and to build your confidence and the future of your life – take your stance , decide what to do. The test will come organically. And most importantly remember napoleons words

Nothing is more difficult than to be able to decide

The next time you find yourself taking more time for a decision, please don’t be harsh on yourself. Some decisions are worth the time. But the most difficult thing that you’ll have to do is decide which type of decisions are worth the time. You can’t let all decisions take forever or else you’ll get to analysis by paralysis. It won’t take you anywhere. In such cases a quick decision might serve you better. Remember that every decision has to earn its place in your time and mental energy. If something is important, the complexity is justified. But the simple decisions are to be taken quickly so that you don’t lose yourself in the thought itself and lead to fatigue and inaction.

Related content:

• Quick Decisions are unsafe decisions!
• I don’t believe in taking right decisions – Ratan Tata
• inspire99 : How to take decisions

Source: www.linkedin.com/posts/forbes-magazine_qotd-activity-7289282222895869953-MCUf