10 Quotes on Decision-Making

Learning to make the ‘right decision’ in a situation is about far more than knowing a few simple maxims. It is, in some ways, the essence of wisdom: recognizing what is valuable and pursuing that value. As such, learning to make decisions involves studying values, gaining insight, and understanding what has true meaning. In short, decision-making draws on philosophy, theology, and ethics.

The quotes below, in themselves, are no substitute for such rigorous, life-long study, in which every Christian should engage. However, when a Christian has a solid foundation in God’s Word, it can be helpful to think through decision-making itself. I’ve found these quotations on the subject to be quite beneficial, and I think we would all do well to consider them.

1 – “Fail Forward Fast” (US Military)

This idea, from the US military, recommends a specific strategy of making decisions quickly. Some of those decisions will lead to failure. However, because you learn valuable lessons from your failures, you will fail ‘forward,’ into knowledge. With this new-found knowledge, you can make more decisions, adjust your course, and ultimately succeed. Follow this process repeatedly: keep failing, keep failing forward (learning from your mistakes), and do so quickly. You will end up in a better place than if you stand still.

2 – “In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” (Theodore Roosevelt)

Roosevelt’s quotation reminds us that even a bad decision is generally preferable to no decision. For example, battlefield generals of the past often realized that it was better to make a strong, concerted attack – even if imperfect – than to make a brilliant move with hesitation. Commitment and decision, in themselves, can often improve a poor decision.

3 – “In an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14)

One of the most frequently neglected sources of wisdom is an ‘abundance of counselors.’ You can find this among trusted friends and within your church. Of course, the best advice comes from those who have expertise on a subject or personal experience with it. Recent research confirms this ancient proverb: the average answer of a large crowd is more likely to be correct than the opinion of a trusted ‘expert.’

4 – “A perplexed person stands between two doors. One door says HEAVEN. The other says BOOKS ABOUT HEAVEN.” (Pressfield)

As humans, we often over-analyze situations. Living in the realm of theory – where we think about ideas without taking action – is a poor substitute for decision-making. Beware of being an arm-chair general; there is a great difference between deciding in theory and deciding in action.

5 – “All decision-making is a values-clarifying exercise.” (Tony Robbins)

We often forget that decisions are not made in a vacuum. We come to our decisions based on what we value, and we affirm our values by our decisions. If you have difficulty on what decision you ought to make, consider the values that each decision implies. What do you value, and what decision will affirm those values?

6 – “Unsuccessful people make decisions based on their current situation; successful people make decisions based on where they want to be.” (Anonymous)

Rather than making decisions in real time, as you experience crises, learn to think ahead and plot a course for yourself. In the heat of the moment, it is far too easy to decide based on irrational emotions, detached from the actual facts themselves. Try to give yourself some distance from the situation, and then identify where you want to end up, before you make a major decision.

7 – “Think like a man of action; act like a man of thought.” (Henri Bergson)

Most people veer toward being either ‘men of action’ or ‘men of thought.’ Men of action are decisive, while men of thought are likely to arrive at the best decision. Unfortunately, men of action are often decisively wrong, while men of thought are often too late in taking the right course; aim to develop both aspects of your personality.

8 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Christian decision-making involves more than careful analysis and reasoned opinions. It factors in the leading of God, recognizing that God is able to provide divine guidance. This passage in Proverbs reveals three essential aspects of Christian decision-making. First, faith in God should guide every action. Second, the human heart is liable to make mistakes, and should not be relied on. Third, the Christian should ‘acknowledge God’ in all his ways. This involves prayer (seeking his guidance) and submission (yielding our own plans to his way).

9 – “The way to develop decisiveness is to start right where you are, with the very next question you face.” (Napoleon Hill)

If you wonder how to develop decisiveness, begin practicing it immediately. We often hesitate when faced with a variety of options, but you can begin to change this immediately. Make a quick decision when looking at the lunch menu, recommend an activity when your friends don’t know what to do, and find other ways to develop decisiveness in situations where a bad decision isn’t costly.

10 – “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” (Proverbs 25:9)

At the end of the day, you are still a fallible human. You will not always make the best decision, and sometimes you will make bad choices. This is where the Christian finds hope: even in his mistakes, God is leading him. This verse is not a vague hope, but a definite promise to those who are ‘humble.’ Such people, even when they make bad choices, will not find themselves outside of God’s ultimate will for their lives.