Over the years, I’ve analyzed my past decisions—both successes and failures—to identify patterns that lead to better outcomes. Through this reflection, I’ve developed five key principles that guide my decision-making process. These principles help me navigate complex choices with clarity, minimize unnecessary risks, and maximize long-term success.
1. Find the Sweet Spot
When making big decisions, it's essential to ensure your priorities are in the right order:
Your Strengths > Market Growth > Personal Excitement
Many people make the mistake of starting with excitement, chasing trends, or entering high-growth markets without considering whether they have the right skills or advantages. The key is to begin with what you're naturally good at, then align it with market opportunities, and finally, ensure you’re excited about it.
2. Focus on the Long-Term
It’s easy to get caught up in short-term wins, but sustainable success requires thinking years ahead. Every decision should move you closer to a bigger vision, not just immediate gratification.
3. Keep Your Options Open
The best decisions don’t trap you into a single path. Whenever possible, choose options that leave room for flexibility and adjustments. This allows you to pivot when necessary and capitalize on unexpected opportunities.
4. One-Way Door vs. Two-Way Door Decisions
Not all decisions carry the same level of risk. I categorize choices into:
One-Way Doors: Irreversible decisions that require careful consideration (e.g., selling a company, relocating to a new country).
Two-Way Doors: Reversible choices that allow for experimentation (e.g., trying a new marketing channel, testing a new product feature).
Understanding this distinction helps me move fast on low-risk decisions while taking my time on critical ones.
5. Position Yourself for Dual Advantage
Great decisions should not just have a single upside but position you to win in multiple ways. Whether it’s gaining knowledge, building relationships, or increasing leverage, always look for decisions that create compounding benefits.
Applying These Principles to My Next Decision
Right now, my priority is to grow both the topline and bottom line without taking excessive risks. By applying these principles, I can ensure that I make decisions that are strategic, sustainable, and set up for long-term success.
These five principles have consistently guided me toward better choices. While no framework is perfect, having a structured approach to decision-making helps avoid costly mistakes and maximize the probability of success.
What are your guiding principles for making big decisions? Let me know in the comments!
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