Running a business or starting out as an entrepreneur is characterised by the need to regularly make important decisions. 

These decisions not only have an impact on your aspirations for your company, but also for your employees and customers. 

For those of us partial to risk-taking and blue sky thinking, it’s important to mentally check ourselves when we are in a situation that would benefit from sitting still and taking stock of the choices at hand. 

This needn’t mean that we have to limit our talent for intuitive and responsive action, moreover, it’s about having the clarity of knowing when it’s time to react, and when it’s time to sit back before making the call.

Here are some strategies I’ve developed over the years that have helped immensely:

How to handle ‘cold decisions’ and information overload 

High-energy business meetings, multi-tasking and getting things done are scenarios in which we thrive more often than most. 

Even as the working world shifts towards a reliance on data-led decision making, iterative working and long-term projects, this doesn’t have to be an alarming reality. 

Much of this involves using skills you already have. That passion for strategic thinking and the bigger picture can still be applied here, you just have to create the right working conditions in which they can operate best. 

Quiet environment, calmer mind

So, you’ve been to the meeting, taken notes and are raring to go. The only problem is that the project by nature is open-ended, with a variety of routes you can go down to get the desired result.

Don’t worry, I’ve been there. This is where clearing your mind and surroundings of unnecessary disorder can help you narrow down the choices you have, ensuring you can focus on what matters. 

It can be a great idea to jump away from the office (or a busy kitchen if working remotely) and remove the noise and visual clutter than can disrupt clear thinking.

Express any competing thoughts

Once you’ve homed in on the path to success, now is the time to visualise the risk and reward in any way that helps you maintain your curiosity. 

This might include writing down the pros and cons of a potential decision on a piece of paper or whiteboard, before referring to them over the next few days – something may well jump out. 

If you still feel as though your mind is overwhelmed, reach out to colleagues for a chat, or even post your thoughts on LinkedIn to get a collective consensus – all the while knowing that the final decision is in your hands. 

The most important thing to remember? Enjoy the satisfaction that comes with this sense of purpose, and once you’ve made your decision, give yourself a pat on the back for committing to the process that got you there.