How to Make Better Decisions in Half the Time

In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to make quick, effective decisions isn’t just a skill – it’s a superpower. Studies show that the average person makes around 35,000 decisions each day, yet many of us get stuck in analysis paralysis when it matters most. Want to know the secret to cutting your decision time in half while improving your success rate? The answer lies in understanding a few key principles that top executives and leaders use every day.

Evaluate stakes before spending time

Not all decisions deserve equal time and mental energy. Before deep-diving into any choice, categorize it as high-stakes or low-stakes. High-stakes decisions involve significant resources, have long-term impacts, or are difficult to reverse. For these, you might want to invest more time in research and consultation.

Low-stakes decisions, like choosing which productivity planner to use or what to wear to work, can be made quickly using a simple pros-and-cons list. Remember, most daily decisions are reversible “two-way doors” – you can always adjust course later.

Create a structured approach that works every time

The most efficient decision-makers use consistent frameworks. Start by clearly defining your objective. Then, establish 2-3 key criteria for evaluation. This might include factors like cost, time investment, or alignment with goals. Having a structure eliminates the need to reinvent the wheel with each new decision.

Consider using a decision journal to track your choices and their outcomes. This builds pattern recognition over time, making future decisions faster and more accurate.

Set strict time limits for research

Excessive research often leads to diminishing returns. Implement the “two-tab rule” – limit yourself to opening only two browser tabs for research on any given decision. Set a timer for 25 minutes maximum for gathering information. What if you had to make this decision in the next hour? You’d probably find a way to do it.

Make use of time management tools to stay focused and avoid falling into the research rabbit hole. Remember, perfect information doesn’t exist – aim for “good enough” data to move forward.

Get input from the right people quickly

While gathering multiple perspectives is valuable, asking too many people can muddy the waters. Identify 2-3 key stakeholders who are closest to the situation or have relevant expertise. Request their input with specific questions rather than open-ended feedback.

Set clear expectations for response time – “I need your thoughts by 3 PM today” is better than “What do you think about this?” This creates urgency and prevents decision delays due to waiting for input.

Trust your experience and commit fully

Your gut instinct is actually pattern recognition in disguise. After gathering essential information, give yourself permission to trust your experience. What would your future self wish you had decided today? Make the call and move forward with confidence.

Once you’ve made a decision, commit fully. Avoid the temptation to constantly second-guess or revisit the choice unless new, significant information emerges. Success often comes not from making the perfect decision, but from making a good decision work through committed execution.

Remember that decision-making is a skill that improves with practice. Start with smaller decisions to build confidence in your process. Over time, you’ll develop the ability to make faster, better choices almost instinctively. The next time you face a decision, ask yourself: “Will spending more time on this significantly improve the outcome?” If not, it’s time to trust your process and move forward.

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