Decision Making

Sometimes you find wisdom in unexpected places. Today’s “a-ha” moment came when I was reading the horoscope page. One horoscope in particular — not even for my astrological sign — struck a cord: “The difference between going with the flow and being passive is something only you know in your heart. One has to do with timing, and the other has to do with fear.”

How is your life and business being impacted by the decisions you're NOT making?

Imagine a table in front of you.  On it are all the decisions you know you should make.  Some are large, some are small.  Some could have a profound impact on your business or your life if you would act on them, others are relatively insignificant.  Some are fresh surfaced, and some have been waiting for your final call for a very long time.  This exercise will help you sort these decisions out and put you in a better position to jump off the fence.

"Stretch goals change behavior."

This was a quote shared with me by an Inner Circle franchise owner, in reference to a Member who set a near impossible Action Item to achieve before his next month's Circle meeting.  When asked why he set such an agressive goal, he stated "stretch goals change behavior."

A revealing question to ask an entrepreneur is, “What is one behavior in your life that regularly sabotages you as a business owner?”

The answers are varied. Some individuals can’t say “no” to any request, some have to keep their fingers in every detail even though it bogs things down, and some procrastinate on making decisions. Each sabotaging behavior is rooted in a corresponding fear: people won’t like me if I refuse them, things won’t be done correctly if I don’t control them, and I’m not smart enough to make the right choice.

During any given Inner Circle monthly meeting across the country, the facilitator may advise a Member that they need to “Hug The Monster.”  Coined by Inner Circle founder, Norm Stoehr, the phrase relates to those unpleasant tasks typically associated with removing a significant obstacle in one’s business or life.  Consciously or subconsciously, it is human nature to avoid the Monster.