Issue 62: How to make better decisions faster

"The best thing you can do is the right thing. The next best thing is the wrong thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing."

- Theodore Roosevelt

Decision fatigue is real.

If you’re balancing competing priorities or are constantly pulled into meetings and high-stakes choices, you know the weight of making the right call - quickly.

But when every decision feels high-stakes, it's easy to overthink, delay, or second-guess yourself. That hesitation costs time, energy, and momentum.

Here’s how to speed up high-quality decision-making so you can move faster without decision-regret.

1. Shrink the decision to what actually matters

Not every factor is equally important. The problem? Most people try to make perfect decisions instead of focusing on the main variables.

Ask yourself:

• What are the top 2-3 factors that really truly matter in this decision?

• What would make this an “easy yes” or a “definite no”?

If a factor doesn’t move the needle, don’t let it slow you down. Seriously.

2: Use the 80% rule

Stop waiting for 100% certainty. Start making decisions at 80% confidence - enough information to make an informed decision, but not so much that analysis turns into paralysis.

If you’re waiting for absolute certainty, you’re already probably already moving too slow.

3: Cut down on decision loops

How many times do you really need to revisit this decision?

• For everyday choices → 1 discussion, then decide.

• For mid-level decisions → Set a deadline, weigh the options, move forward.

• For major strategy shifts → Consult key voices, define a clear decision timeline, commit.

Speed doesn’t mean recklessness, it means clarity because you have a strategy for how to handle decisions.

4: Pre-mortem your decision (don't stress, it's only 3 minutes!)

Before finalizing a decision, fast-forward in your head.

Ask:

• If this decision fails in six months, what will have caused it?

• If it succeeds, what made it work?

This quick “pre-mortem” helps catch blind spots before they become problem, without dragging out the process.

If you’ve been sitting on a decision, run it through these steps today.

✔ Shrink it down - what actually matters?
✔ Do you have 80% certainty? If so, move on it.
✔ Set a decision deadline and stick to it.

The best leaders aren’t the ones who never make mistakes, they’re the ones who make decisions, learn from their mistakes, and keep moving.

If you want to improve how you make decisions, I’m working with a handful of leaders 1:1 in my 6-week executive coaching beta.

Spots are limited, so reach out to see if I still have room.

Go out there and lead,

Asia

What’s one decision you’ve been sitting on that you could make faster using these strategies? Reply and let me know - I’d love to hear.