Have you ever found yourself struggling to make a decision? Whether it’s hiring a new employee, implementing a new system, or even buying a vehicle for your business, decision-making can be a challenging process. But here’s the thing: setting goals and envisioning outcomes is where the future starts for decision making. In fact, it’s the first step of the five apps of decision making: the future, the facts, the figures, the feelings, and the feedback. Today, we’re diving into the future and understanding why it’s crucial to have a clear vision before making any decision.

The future of a decision encompasses not only what it looks like to win that decision but also what it looks like if we don’t win. By outlining both sides, we gain clarity on what needs to be done. This clarity is essential because, without it, we often find ourselves procrastinating. As business leaders, we need to clarify not just the future but also the other four F’s: the facts, the figures, the feelings, and the feedback. Only then can we make informed and beneficial decisions for ourselves, our team, and, most importantly, our clients.

To help you navigate the future of decision making, I’ve created a tool you can download called the Decision Activator. The Decision Activator starts by identifying the decision you need to make and then moves on to outlining the impact of that decision. It’s important to consider not only the positive outcomes but also the potential consequences of not winning the decision. Sometimes, going through this process may lead you to the realization that a particular decision is not the right move, and that’s a win too. It’s all about putting things to bed and freeing up your decision-making juices for the choices that matter most.

As a business owner, you know that decision making is a constant part of your life. In fact, studies suggest that we make around 35,000 decisions each day! However, not every decision requires your direct involvement. Remember, decisions should be made at the lowest possible level of the organization. To empower your team to make the right choices, ensure that everyone understands the promise you make to your clients. After all, everyone is buying a better future when they invest in your services.

When it comes to making decisions in your business, whether it’s hiring, investing in new equipment, or anything else, it’s crucial to outline the future impact. This is where the Decision Activator comes into play. By prioritizing the potential outcomes and considering both short-term and long-term implications, you can align your decisions with your guiding principles and overall goals. It’s also important to anticipate obstacles and challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. By considering worst-case scenarios, you can proactively mitigate potential risks.

Incorporating the future into your decision-making process equips you to make more informed choices. It provides motivation and inspiration for both you and your team. By clearly visualizing the desired outcomes, you can drive yourself and your team to contribute to achieving those outcomes. Remember, a clear vision serves as a source of motivation and ensures that you invest your time and energy in the most critical aspects of your business.

So, if you have a decision that’s been keeping you up at night, it’s time to start envisioning the future. Take a moment to write down the potential outcomes, both good and bad, as well as the obstacles and priorities. Consider how the decision aligns with your guiding principles and how it will make your clients’ lives better. Because when you make your clients’ lives better, your business thrives, and ultimately, you create a better life for yourself.

For a deeper dive into the first F of the 5 Fs of better decision making… The Future, tune into of the Business Owner Breakthrough Podcast.