The Power of Confident Decision-Making: A Guide to Mastering Your Choices

Question for you today: how confident are you in the decisions you make every day?

Every single day, we face a multitude of decisions, both big and small. Think about it—how many decisions do you think you've made today? Take a moment to guess. Done? Now, let us tell you: the average human makes between 33,000 to 35,000 decisions each day. Most of these are minor, like deciding which hand to use to brush your teeth or what to have for dinner. These small decisions add up quickly.

However, occasionally, we encounter significant decisions that can shape our lives. These decisions could be anything from choosing whether to go to work today, deciding what school to attend, whether to buy a house, when to get a car, or whether to get married or have kids. As we grow older, the significance of these decisions tends to increase.

There are two primary emotions that influence our decisions: impulse and confidence.

Impulsive Decisions vs. Confident Decisions

Impulsive decisions are driven by immediate desires and excitement. For example, seeing a tempting pizza or candy and indulging without considering the consequences. These decisions are often regretted later because they are made without much thought or consideration.

Confident decisions, on the other hand, are made with certainty and assurance. They stem from a deep understanding and knowledge of the subject at hand. You don’t have to be an inherently confident person to make confident decisions. Even the most introverted individuals make 35,000 decisions a day. The key is to gather enough information to feel sure about your choice.

Building Confidence Through Information

To make confident decisions, you need to obsessively study the topic. This means gathering data, which isn’t limited to numbers. Data can include opinions, experiences, and observations. Here’s how you can gather the information needed to make confident decisions:

1. Utilize YouTube and Online Resources: YouTube is a treasure trove of information on almost any topic. From how-to videos to expert talks, you can learn a lot by watching content relevant to your decision.

2. Seek Opinions from People Around You: Family members, friends, and colleagues who have faced similar decisions can provide valuable insights. Their experiences can guide you and help you avoid common pitfalls.

3. Read Books: Books offer in-depth knowledge and multiple perspectives on various subjects. They can provide a more comprehensive understanding than a quick online search.

4. Ask Questions: When you meet someone who has achieved what you aspire to, ask them how they did it. Their answers will give you practical steps and avoid unnecessary mistakes.

Christian's Journey: From Engineering to Entrepreneurship

To give you an example, let’s take Christian's journey. He studied engineering at Ryerson University, but his career path changed significantly over time. He moved from engineering to owning a car wash, and then to running a recruitment company. Each transition was successful because he spent a considerable amount of time researching and gathering information before making the leap.

Engineering to Car Wash: He spent a year talking to people in the industry, learning about the business, and gathering data before making the decision.

Car Wash to Recruitment Company: This transition took two years of studying, talking to experts, and understanding the market. By the time he made the move, it felt less like a risk and more like a logical next step.

The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions

Most people view starting a new business as a significant risk. For Christian, it never felt risky because he had spent so much time studying and gathering information. Data-driven decisions remove the uncertainty and make the path forward clear.

Tips for Making Confident Decisions

1. Slow Down: Don’t rush into decisions. Take your time to think them through.

2. Gather Information: The more data you have, the more confident you’ll be.

3. Educate Yourself: Use every available resource—YouTube, books, conversations—to learn as much as you can.

4. Ask Multiple Sources: Don’t rely on a single opinion. Gather information from various sources to get a well-rounded view.

Every decision you make, whether big or small, shapes your life. By slowing down, gathering information, and educating yourself, you can make confident decisions that lead to success. Don’t let impulsiveness drive your choices. Instead, take control and make decisions with confidence, knowing you’ve done your homework.

Make your decisions count!