Don’t Waste Time Trying to Make the “Right” Decision—Make a Decision and Make It Right

In a world that constantly pushes us to analyze, strategize, and deliberate, it’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting for the “perfect” decision. However, life rarely gives us perfect options, and in many cases, spending excessive time in pursuit of the “right” choice can paralyze us, robbing us of valuable time and momentum. In many situations, success lies not in waiting for the right decision but in committing to a choice and making it the right one through dedication and adaptability.

Let’s explore why focusing on making a decision—and then working to make it right—is often more effective than searching endlessly for the “perfect” choice.

1. The Cost of Indecision

Indecision can cost far more than simply making a less-than-perfect choice. It can prevent us from taking any action at all, leading to missed opportunities, wasted time, and potentially lost momentum. The need for certainty often becomes a barrier to progress, where overthinking steals time that could have been spent working toward a solution.

Research has shown that individuals who make decisions swiftly are often happier and more successful, even if the decisions are not always flawless. The simple act of choosing provides a sense of control, allowing us to learn and adjust along the way. By making a decision and taking action, we start the cycle of experience, feedback, and improvement.

2. Adaptability Over Perfection

When we focus too much on making the “right” decision, we risk overlooking our own ability to adapt. No decision, no matter how well thought-out, comes with guaranteed results. Even seemingly “perfect” decisions can have unexpected outcomes. What truly determines success is the ability to adapt and adjust after making a choice.

Consider, for example, someone starting a new job. There’s no guarantee that any single career move will be the right one, but the skills they learn, the network they build, and the experiences they gain are invaluable. If the job doesn’t turn out as expected, they can still leverage those benefits to shape their future decisions. By taking action, they place themselves in a position to adapt, pivot, and grow.

3. The Power of Commitment

Once a decision is made, the power to make it right lies in commitment. Commitment brings focus, which is essential to make the best of any situation. When we make a choice and decide to follow through, we become resourceful, looking for ways to improve and adapt to maximize that decision’s benefits. It’s often this focused effort, rather than the initial choice itself, that determines success.

In many ways, our commitment to a decision allows us to work creatively with its constraints. For example, an entrepreneur might launch a product with limited resources. While they could spend years refining their product or waiting for the “perfect” opportunity, launching with a commitment to improve based on customer feedback often yields faster, better results.

4. Taking Responsibility and Learning

A key part of “making it right” involves taking full responsibility for our choices. Responsibility encourages us to own our actions, which fosters learning. Each experience, successful or not, provides valuable insights that guide us in the future.

Mistakes and setbacks become opportunities for learning rather than causes for regret. Those who wait for the “perfect” decision often avoid taking responsibility, shifting blame to external factors if things go wrong. However, those who commit to making their choice work learn to accept responsibility, which strengthens resilience, adaptability, and insight for future decisions.

5. Practical Steps to “Make It Right”

If you find yourself caught in the endless search for the “right” decision, here are a few practical steps to help you make a choice and commit to making it work:

• Set a Time Limit: Give yourself a deadline to make a decision. This creates a sense of urgency and prevents overthinking. Remember, taking any action often brings more clarity than prolonged deliberation.
• Evaluate Risks and Benefits: Quickly list the potential pros and cons. Then ask yourself if you can accept the worst-case scenario. If you can, make the decision and move forward confidently.
• Commit and Plan: Once you’ve made a choice, identify the steps you’ll take to make it successful. Break your plan down into achievable milestones, and celebrate small wins along the way to stay motivated.
• Seek Feedback, But Don’t Waver: Feedback is essential, but don’t let it cause you to doubt your choice. Instead, use it as a tool for improvement. Commit to making the decision work, knowing you can refine it as needed.
• Practice Adaptability: Every decision will come with challenges, so stay open-minded and willing to pivot if necessary. Adaptability is the key to turning any decision into a successful one.

Conclusion

Making a decision and committing to it is often the best way forward. By taking action, embracing responsibility, and focusing on improvement, you’ll gain far more than if you waited for the “right” answer. The journey is rarely straightforward, but by remaining adaptable and proactive, you can turn nearly any decision into the “right” one over time. The confidence to make a choice—and the resilience to make it work—are traits of successful people who understand that progress often matters more than perfection.