Decision-making is a crucial aspect of our daily lives. It refers to the process of choosing between different alternatives based on careful evaluation of the available information. The ability to make sound decisions is a critical skill that can determine the success or failure of an individual or organisation (Mubiazalwa Bonny, 2023).
Have you ever had that feeling that somehow you are stuck and you’re not living your full potential? The truth is, the reason you feel this way may be because you haven’t made that critical decision, which could change your life.
Often, the fear of the unknown holds one back. Things like, What if I make this decision and fail? clutter your mind. But while you muse over what should be done, time keeps running. The more time you waste, the fewer the opportunities are to make your aspirations a reality.
Every action that is taken in life starts with a decision first. Not every time is the best choice selected. According to the author of Atomic Habits, “Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become.”
Decisions make your life more than anything else does, and you normally do not realise the power of their decision depth (Miles Dean, n.d.).
Without decisions, no individual or organisation can make progress. Even if there is no evidence that they will turn out right, never shy away from taking decisions (Popoola Tope, 2023).
The Science Behind Decision-Making
Psychologists have studied decision-making in great detail, identifying two major approaches:
1. Rational Decision-Making Model:
This is a formal process.
✓ Identifying the problem
✓ Gathering information
✓ Evaluating alternatives
✓ Making a choice
✓ Taking action and reviewing the decision’s effectiveness
2. Intuitive Decision-Making:
Sometimes, our instincts guide us. This process relies on subconscious pattern recognition, based on past experiences.
Amazingly, research on Prospect Theory by Kahneman & Tversky (1979) explains that more people fear losses than value gains; hence, risk aversion sets in. Perhaps this is why many people would not make life-changing decisions, even if the long-term benefits of the risk involved outweighed the risks.
A Personal Experience: Making a Tough Decision
I still remember my experience before relocating to Abuja. I had served in an institution for seven years with passion for its ideals and goals, but I found myself battling conspirators who made my life miserable. Fortunately, the proprietor of the institution was an experienced educationist who was not easily hoodwinked.
In the midst of these, on April 4, 2018, while getting up, the conviction was clear in my heart to hear the word: “Tender your resignation.”
I did write my resignation letter but was too afraid to submit it; instead, I kept it in my personal folder. A year later, on the 4th of April 2019, I woke up with the same message: “Tender your resignation.”
As I opened my folder, I realised it had been exactly a year since I first heard that voice. Yet, fear held me back again.
By July that year, however, I could no longer ignore the signs. Even though I had no job lined up and no clear path forward, I finally took the leap and resigned. To many, including some of my siblings, it seemed like a terrible decision. But deep inside, I felt at peace.
Now, I am grateful that I did such a thing. The risky, at-the-time fully irrational decision appeared to be one of the best moves in my life.
Sometimes, the battles you face at work, with your partner, or in general are real signs that it is time for some changes to be made. It may be painful, but you will look back and appreciate it.
Decision-Making in Organisations and Leadership
Decision-making is even more complicated in a corporate or leadership environment. The successful leader realises that decisions determine the direction of a company, affect the employees, and even affect market outcomes.
The OODA Loop Model (Boyd, 1987) is widely used in high-stakes decision-making:
✓ Observe—Gather data
✓ Orient—Analyse information
✓ Decide—Choose the best course of action.
✓ Act—Implement and adjust as needed.
The “70% Rule” is espoused by business leaders such as Jeff Bezos; instead of waiting for 100%, make a decision with 70% information, or it might be too late.
Steps to Effective Decision-Making
If you feel like you’re stuck in one situation that makes your life sour and sucks up your energy, the best thing you can do is make that bold decision that sets you free. Here’s how:
1. Be fully conscious: Be aware of each thought and decision taken; make them clear and focused, not by emotions or the pressure of others.
2. Silence the voice of fear: Fear will only hold you back if you let it. Push past the doubts.
3. Trust your intuition: Deep down, you often know what is right for you. Listen to that inner voice.
4. Think long-term: A decision may seem hard now, but consider its impact on your future.
5. Take responsibility—own your choices, learn from them, and move on.
6. Act despite uncertainty—no decision is certain. Growth requires a leap of faith.
7. Embrace change—the greatest growth comes with great discomfort. Be willing to let go of things that no longer serve you.
Conclusion
Decision-making is the core of every success or failure. Be it personal growth one seeks or the moulding of an organisation’s future, embracing sound decision-making strategies is paramount.
The courage to decide is the first step toward transformation. What decision must you make today?
* Chinedu Vincent Okoro (Rotn.) lives in Abuja, Nigeria
