EMERGENCY ACTION PLANNING > Blog > Leadership > The Power of a Single Decision
The Power of a Single Decision
“Have you ever faced a moment when one decision changed everything?”
In 1989, I stood at a crossroads. My life was comfortable, predictable—until one day, I realized I was missing something. I had a choice: stay where I was, safe and secure, or step into the unknown. That day, I made a decision that would shape not just my future, but the lives of those around me. After a 10 year break in service, I re-enlisted into the US Army.
The truth is, our lives are defined by decisions.
Some are small—what to wear, what to eat. Others, like choosing a career, a life partner, or to step up in times of crisis, can alter the course of our destiny. But here’s the challenge: making decisions is not always easy, is it? We second-guess ourselves, fear failure, and sometimes, we freeze—paralyzed by the overwhelming weight of choice.
Let me share with you three key lessons I’ve learned about making powerful decisions.
Lesson One: Have a Plan, Clarity Precedes Decision.
When faced with a difficult choice, clarity is everything. In my own experience, clarity didn’t come from sitting still; it came from asking the tough questions.
What do I truly value?
What’s at stake if I say ‘no’?
A study by Cornell University found that the average adult makes about 35,000 decisions every day. Yet, it’s the ones made with clarity—when we align our choices with our core values—that truly define us.
Lesson Two: Embrace the Playfulness of Courage
Let’s face it—making big decisions can feel like standing at the edge of a diving board, staring down at the deep end. You hesitate, overthink, and sometimes… you just want to climb back down. But what if, instead of fearing the leap, we approach it with a sense of playfulness?
Think back to when you were a kid. Did you over-analyze every decision before jumping into a game of tag or trying something new? No! You just went for it—sometimes you won, sometimes you face-planted, but you always got back up, laughing.
Courage doesn’t always have to be serious or heavy. It can be playful, experimental—even fun! When I re-enlisted in the Army, I could have drowned in the “what-ifs,” but instead, I treated it like an adventure. What could I learn? Who would I meet? How could I grow?
Studies show that people who approach challenges with a playful mindset are more resilient, creative, and adaptable. They don’t see decisions as life-or-death but rather as opportunities to explore, experiment, and enjoy the journey.
So, the next time you face a tough decision, don’t take it too seriously. Try seeing it through the eyes of your younger self—be curious, take the leap, and know that even if you stumble, you’re just playing the game of life.
Lesson Three: Persevere Commit and Adapt.
Once we make a decision, the work doesn’t stop. Commitment is key, but so is flexibility. I remember deploying to a new environment filled with unknowns—new terrain, new challenges. But I had committed to my choice, and when circumstances changed, I adapted. Decision-making is not just about choosing a path; it’s about embracing the journey; however unpredictable it may be.
So, my friends, I leave you with this: What decisions are you facing right now? Maybe it’s about pursuing a passion, letting go of something holding you back, or finally stepping out of your comfort zone.
Remember, having a plan with clarity gives you direction, the courage of playfulness propels you forward, and committed perseverance keeps you going.
So today, I challenge you to make that decision. Because in the end, it’s not the decisions we make that define us, but the ones we don’t.
Make the decision. Own it. And watch your life transform.
Additional Information: The Pursuit of Purpose
Stay Informed and Satay Safe
Daniel Kilburn
Americas 5-Star leadership Coach
P.S. Ready to take control of the unexpected? Discover how prepared you really are with our FREE Disaster and Emergency Planning Assessment. Get personalized insights and actionable steps to protect what matters most. Take the assessment today at www.depassessment.com and start building your resilience now!
#ThePowerOfChoice #MakeItCount #BoldDecisions
#GrowthMindset #AchieveYourGoals #FearlessLiving
#ChangeYourLife #ChooseWisely #SuccessMindset #OwnYourDecisions