Our daily lives are made up of literally thousands of individual decisions. Many of these decisions we make automatically, while others we ignore resulting in our decisions being made for us.
One of the human traits that invariably results in failure is the habit of avoiding decisions. The concept of avoiding decisions is absurd. It simply doesn’t exist. Not making a decision is a decision. When we put off a decision or avoid it altogether, our options are narrowed or eliminated entirely.
Recently, I ran into an acquaintance of mine at an event where I was speaking. He told me that he had moved into a lake development near the city where we live. When I asked him about his new house on the lake, he told me his house was not located on the water and didn’t have a very good view because he was one of the last owners to build a house. Then he went on to explain the key to opportunity, success, and happiness for you and me. My acquaintance told me he had been approached by the lakefront developer before the lots went up for sale to the general public. He could have had his pick of any of the lots, many of which were situated right on the lakeshore with magnificent views; but he explained he couldn’t make up his mind and delayed his decision until the only lot left was in an obscure, undesirable corner of the development.
Delaying a decision diminishes our choices. Avoiding a decision entirely transfers our right to choose to someone else; but never forget, we always live with our decisions whether we make them promptly or avoid them entirely.
The great parliamentarian Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” If we choose not to get involved, we are deciding to keep things the way they are or allow them to decline further. If we don’t vote, we are giving our precious right and freedom over to others who will elect our leaders and form policy for future generations.
We all fight the fear of making a bad or wrong decision. It’s important to remember that even a bad decision is preferable to not deciding. At least you’re in control of your fate and can change course and get back on the right track.
The world belongs to those who will make a decision and stick with it.
As you go through your day today, explore all possibilities and exercise your right to choose.
Today’s the day!
Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK 74145-9082; by email at Jim@JimStovall.com; on Twitter at www.twitter.com/stovallauthor; or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jimstovallauthor.
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