Written by: Connie Costa, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
“Can you give me a month to think about it?” said my prospective client. “I could” I replied, “but I would be doing you a disservice. I am not trying to persuade you to work with me, but in life, we need to make fast decisions! So, whether your intuition says ‘yes’ or ‘no’ go for it!” Thus, the inspiration to write about the power of fast decision-making was born.
One of the most fascinating stories about quick decision-making is that of Napoleon Hill and Andrew Carnegie. At the time, Andrew Carnegie was the wealthiest man in the world, and he had spent a few days with the young but broke journalist, Napoleon Hill. Carnegie proposed to Hill to spend the next twenty years of his life interviewing the wealthiest men on earth and gathering information on how they became wealthy. He explained that most likely, he would be not be compensated for at least twenty years. Carnegie told him to just give him a “yes” or “no” answer. Within 25 seconds, Hill said “yes”. What Hill did not know, is that Carnegie had set a stopwatch at 60 seconds. Had he not answered within that time frame, he would have given the assignment to someone else. Years later, when Carnegie was asked “why?” he replied,
“It has been my experience that a person who cannot reach a decision promptly cannot be depended upon to carry through any decision they may make…I’ve also observed, that those who reach decisions promptly usually have the capacity to move with definiteness of purpose in other circumstances."
I could not agree more with Carnegie. As a Gemini, I have always joked about my inability to make fast decisions. But the truth is, that it’s no laughing matter and that over the years it has gotten me into trouble. Several times I was presented with huge opportunities, and because of my indecisiveness, I missed out. If the decision was too huge, I would pretend it was not even there and ignore it. I realize now how unbeneficial that was.
Thankfully, I realized that this pattern was not serving me. I decided to start making fast decisions and simply “see” what would happen. I have yet to regret making any of the fast decisions I’ve made in my life. I now say “yes” no matter how scary it sounds. Some of my most drastic fast decisions were moving to Italy and paying an enormous amount of money for a business mentor.
I completely understand that we feel “paralyzed” and think, “what if I make the wrong decision?” but trust me, making no decision is much worse. I tell my clients to trust their gut and to learn to be guided by their intuition. The truth is, we always know. When my clients say to me, “I do not know” I always ask them, “well, if you did know, then what would it be?” Suddenly, they have the answer.
Fear of the unknown stops us from realizing our dreams. Thus, we would rather stay comfortable even though we are not happy. We must force ourselves to get out of our comfort zone because everything we want is on the other side of making fast decisions. We must face our fears and stop allowing them to rule our lives. Ask yourself, “am I listening to my fearful voice or my higher self?”
How do you do it? You just do. When faced with a decision, just go with your gut. The truth is, there is no such thing as failure, just feedback. You will learn what to do or what not to do next time. If you are trying to decide between door A or door B, just realize that if you go with door A you will have one set of experiences; if you go with door B, you will have a different set of experiences, the point is, just make a decision!
When faced with a decision, immediately tune into your body and notice how you are feeling. Are you elated? Do you feel peace or excitement? Notice before the negative little monster, who lives inside all of us, starts talking. He is the King of negativity and will bring up all the reasons why you should not do something you want to do. If something feels exciting and a bit scary at the same time, it’s probably a good sign. We need to stretch ourselves. We can’t constantly live in a comfortable state. That’s a slow but sure death and nothing great comes out of that.
We always know deep down inside what we want. We are just afraid that we might make a mistake. The real mistake is not deciding and being on your deathbed wishing you would have. I do not want to live with “what ifs”.
So, my suggestion is to go for it! Whatever it is, just go for it! You will never “find” the time or money, you must make the decision and then create both. For example, when my clients want to participate in my luxury retreats in Italy, some say that “one day” they will have the money and time. This is not the correct approach. First, you make the decision that you will go, period. You decide on a date and stick with that date. You get the ball rolling. Then, you are forced to create the time and money.
Or when prospective clients know they want to hire me as a coach but the negative voice takes over. One thing is knowing that something is not for you. If I know a prospective client and I are not a match, I refer them to someone I see as a better fit. However, when we both decide we are a match made in heaven, I encourage the client to go with their intuition and put all fears aside. If you know something is meant for you, then it’s best if you come up with a start date (the sooner the better) and then work on creating the funds by that date. Put down deposits, tell people your intention, have an accountability buddy.
Make. It. Happen.
“One day” is usually never unless you make it official. I have never had a client regret working with me. They are always so incredibly elated they did, and what they get from coaching with me is priceless. The truth is money is everywhere and can be created at any time. A once in a lifetime opportunity, not as much.
As I previously mentioned, over the years, I have had numerous people tell me that “one day” they will come to Italy with me “for sure”. Tragically, at least 4 of those people have died. The daughter of one of those 4 people “decided” she was going to go to honor her late mother. She put down her deposit and told me that within one year she would come. She created over $10,000.00 to come to Italy while working at Starbucks and walking dogs. How did she create the money? Simple. She decided. The Universe is a force to be reckoned with and when you give it a task, it will go to work and deliver. She had the most magical Italy experience because she realized that if she accomplished that, she could accomplish anything she set her mind to.
So, are you stuck on making a decision? Commit to making the decision today! Learn to trust yourself when being led.
Whatever it is, just go with your intuition and decide. Affirm to the Universe that this is what you want. Then, watch the magic unfold right in front of your eyes.
Connie Costa, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Connie Costa is a Holistic Life Coach, Sicily Wellness Retreat Leader, International Speaker, and Published Writer who assists people in pursuing their life's purpose. She graduated from Antioch University with a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology and is a certified Life Coach by the Holistic Life Coaching Foundation.
Connie is an expert at identifying her client's passions, gifts, and talents and converting them into the career of their dreams! She has coached countless clients in taking risks in order to pursue their life's purpose and become powerful manifestors in their life. Connie has produced and hosted major transformational events, coached numerous holistic business groups, and has spoken in front of thousands.
Connie leads Spiritual & Wellness Retreats in both the U.S and Sicily, Italy.
Connie's motto is "fall in-love with fear so you can marry success!"
