Day 9: 1 Habit All Successful People Have In Common

Hey All,

I sincerely apologize for not being able to share the newsletter yesterday. I am currently in Hatay, Turkey, working to support the earthquake response efforts of my dear colleagues at Save the Children.

However, I am committed to not letting these circumstances disrupt our engagement. To make up for the missed interaction, you can look forward to not one but two enlightening newsletters today. Thank you for your understanding and continued support during these challenging times.

Most successful individuals demonstrate a common set of characteristics. They are disciplined with their time. They have a laser-like focus on their objectives. They are not alone in their journey to success but are guided by mentors and other influential people who provide valuable advice. They've honed and mastered valuable skills. The list goes on.

Recently, while reading Peter Drucker's highly influential book, "The Effective Executive," I've come to appreciate an additional common trait that often goes unnoticed. It's the ability to make effective decisions. This trait doesn't belong to a specific industry or professional domain. Instead, it's a universal habit that successful people from various walks of life have in common.

Why Effective Decision-Making Matters

Life, much like any dynamic industry, changes at an unfathomable pace. Today, we are constantly bombarded with information and choices. In this world of relentless change and endless options, the ability to make effective decisions has emerged as a crucial survival skill. The effectiveness of a decision doesn't only depend on its outcome, but also on the process, the timing, and the ability to adapt based on new information.

From Perfect Decisions to Effective Decisions

Successful individuals rarely aim for perfection in their decision-making process. Instead, they strive for effectiveness. They're not individuals who have never made a wrong decision. Instead, they are people who, rather than being paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake, make decisions confidently. They know they have the resilience and the adaptability to learn from any missteps and recalibrate their path accordingly.

Cultivating the Habit of Effective Decision Making

Cultivating the habit of effective decision-making requires one to assess situations critically, consider multiple perspectives, evaluate potential risks and rewards, and then take decisive action. It is a habit that relies heavily on flexibility and adaptability.

Moreover, successful people understand that they don't have all the answers. They seek input from their team, from peers, and from various other stakeholders. This approach allows them to make well-informed decisions that not only serve their personal objectives but also align with the wider interests of their community or organization.

The Ripple Effect of Effective Decision Making

Finally, the impact of effective decision-making goes beyond the professional realm. It can bring about a significant positive change in personal life as well. It's a habit that facilitates a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal goals, thus contributing to overall well-being.

In conclusion, effective decision-making is a universal habit that binds successful people together. It's a skill that helps them navigate through the fast-paced world, learn from their experiences, adapt to new realities, and achieve a satisfying work-life balance. Regardless of your chosen field or industry, cultivating the habit of making effective decisions is certainly a game-changer.

Thanks for reading today’s edition of my newsletter; please share in the comments if you have any other suggested habits or books.

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