Discovering the simple truth about being decisive lies in your ability to understand your core desires.
Being decisive means knowing what you really really really want.
When you have crystal clear clarity of what you want to accomplish, you will most certainly achieve it.
When I was younger, I learned this lesson from a Marine Corps recruiter.
Below is an excerpt from my book, "Doing it By the Numbers.
" As I entered the recruiting office a young Sergeant stood, "May I help you?" He typified the image of a Marine, muscular and tall with a shaved head.
"Yes, please...
I'd like to get some information about the Marines," I responded.
A grin slid from the Sergeants mug, "Sure! Why don't you come this way and have a seat.
" I strolled to a desk in the back corner and plunked down in a cozy black leather chair.
I sat with Sergeant Pritchard for hours collecting data, watching promo videos and trying to contain my excitement.
Had I won the lottery? "This is going to be cool!" I thought.
Then, Sergeant Pritchard paused as a look of concern flooded his face.
He spoke, "Do you have enough information?" Eagerly, I replied, "Yes! Yes, I do!" "Do you have any questions for me?" he continued.
"No, I don't think so," I boasted.
"So, let's get started with the paper work," Sergeant Pritchard assumed.
Suddenly, my heart pounded, my palms became sweaty and the fear rushed in.
"Uh, what do you mean? I need to think about it!" I exclaimed.
"What do you need to think about?" he questioned.
Silence swept through the air as if an angel had walked into the room.
Suddenly, his demeanor shifted from being assertive to one of concern, "You said you have enough information and you don't have any questions, is that correct?" Hesitantly, I responded, "Yes, I guess so.
" He pressed forward, "You said you wanted a change, an adventure and a different life, is that true?" "Yes," I conceited.
"Well, we are offering what you are looking for, so I don't understand.
What is there to think about?" he said.
"I'm not sure.
" I was confused.
Sergeant Pritchard slid his chair close to mine and leaned toward me, "I understand it is scary getting into something you don't know much about.
I was you eight years ago, sitting in the same spot.
Let me say this, something brought you here today, something guided you to walk into this office and maybe right now you don't understand it, but you don't need to.
The only thing you need to do is make a decision.
Are you in or are you out? It is a long road, so don't worry about the details, just make a choice.
Don't worry about me judging you, or what others think, you seem like a nice kid, but I don't know you.
Decide what is right for you and quite frankly, the Marines aren't for everyone and that's okay too.
" There was a long pause as his words sunk deep into my mind.
"What's it going to be? Are you in or are you out?" he intently asked.
"I'm in.
" When you truly know what you want, you will have no problem making swift decisions.
If you are hesitant on making a decision, perhaps, you need to explore your core desires.
Start by asking yourself, "What do I really really really want?" So, I pose the same questions to you, what's it going to be? Are you in or are you out?