The Power of Little Decisions

The Power of Little Decisions – by Arnie Wohlgemut 

At the end of each year we set out to make resolutions and setting goals for the year to come. It is a proven fact that we seldom follow through on them, thus it becomes an exercise of little value. 

At the same time each year we are encouraged to buy planners, download a planning app or attend a goal setting workshop.

While the activity of goal setting is important, what appears to be missing are deliberately planned activities and goalposts along the way.

I too have fallen victim to this tradition, and eventually learned that unless I take action, my resolution is worthless. What I have learned is that little decisions are directional! Therefore, every little decision has power.

“There is power in the small decisions; the ones we make are often without thinking.” 

Think of the game basketball; the need for a pivot is usually the result of being closely guarded, making other moves risky or difficult.

First, each pivot starts with the player making a seemingly small decision to stop and “plant” one foot on the court. Without knowing how things would turn out, a player’s small decision to pivot can become a big decision instantly.

Secondly, the rest of the team knows that for any pivot to be successful, they need to be in motion; moving themselves into position for the next play. They clearly know that from that spot, another decision must be made!

Thirdly, a successful pivot is directional. It leads to more action, with the goal of scoring some points. 

 “The seemingly small decisions set direction! Failure to make them eventually forces us to make big decisions.”

Arnie Wohlgemut

Similarly in our workplace, a leader must know where they are at a moment’s notice and determine what action needs to be taken.  With input from the team and options measured up against the goalpost, they make a little or a big decision on the next move forward.

Moving forward after a decision is made, is easier and quicker if your team is in motion and not sitting on their hands waiting for the next move.

“How do you know the little decision isn’t a big decision?”

Steven Furtick

As we plan, set goals and make new year’s resolutions, be willing to make the little decisions every day, you never know if that decision will be a big one someday.