-Michael Rawls

A while ago, I was attending a National Speaker's Association meeting when a panelist quoted past NFL coach of the Minnesota Vikings, Bud Grant, as saying, "Never make a decision until you need to make a decision." The reason Grant made this statement was that so many football players would make retirement decisions at the beginning of the year only to regret their decision at the end of the year. In other words, they spoke too soon and wanted to play another season.

After hearing these wise words spoken, I began trying to apply them to areas of my life. How would they have impacted my choosing a career path, a life partner, when to have children, etc. Does this rule apply to these critical decisions? Yes, I believe they do.

While in college, I chose the route of business school but did not know where I would focus my business learning. The college eventually forced me to choose, but because I waited, I had the chance to try out finance, accounting and marketing classes to see what I enjoyed and did well in. I eventually landed a job in marketing and sales with General Mills. If I had made a decision too quickly, I would have taken a finance position that would not have suited me or my employer.

It seems that this piece of wisdom goes against our society that praises decisive leaders. You will often hear, "Wow, he or she knows what they want and they are going after it!" What you don't hear is "Wow, look how well they delay their decisions!"

I realize that you may not have the luxury of having enough time to wait for a decision. When cancer strikes, you may need to make a quick decision on using chemotherapy or radiation.   When you are offered a new position or promotion, your boss may give you a deadline for deciding. But when time is on your side...use it.

Question for You:

Do you find the pressure to make major life decisions quickly? Do you want to please everyone around you by being decisive? Do you hate living in the "gray" areas of life so you make decisions to help you move on more quickly?

Action for You:

For those decisions that have a huge impact on your career and life, allow yourself the time to gather enough information. So much can happen between your realization that a decision may need to be made and the time you make it. Allow time to provide the answers for you.

This is so difficult if you pride yourself on being known for decisiveness. Put the decision on the side table and reach for it again when more information has come forward or your feelings become more certain.

"Unless your heart, your soul, and your whole being are behind every decision you make, the words from your mouth will be empty, and each action will be meaningless. Truth and confidence are the roots of happiness."

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