The Anatomy of Decision Making
Effective Decision Making:
“Three frogs sat on a lily pad. One makes a decision to jump off. How many frogs are left?” What is the answer to this riddle? Many motivational teachers have used variations of this riddle to talk about decision-making. The correct answer is, “all three.” Until the actual action of jumping off takes place, all three frogs remain on the lily pad. The point made here is very clear. Until the first frog acts on the decision he made, there will be no change.
In his book, “Think and Grow Rich,” Napoleon Hill shares a secret about decision-making. In an analysis of several hundred millionaires, Hill discloses that all of them had the good habit of promptly reaching a decision. The million-dollar mark at the time the book was written is equivalent to over $25 million in today’s dollars. When Napoleon Hill said “reaching decisions,” he meant that these decisions were carried out.
On the other hand, Hill’s extensive research also revealed that people who failed to accumulate wealth without exception had the habit of slow decision-making. Additionally, they changed their minds quickly and often, and when faced with a decision, procrastinated or ultimately failed to stick to their first choice.
I recommend a version of Napoleon Hill‘s “Think and Grow Rich:the Original Version, Restored and Revised” edited by Ross Cornwell, published by Avertine Press. The editor turned Hill’s book into an interesting reference and a mini-history book. Click here to find this version on Amazon.
Three Stages of Decision Making:
There are three stages involved when a person changes his life consciously:
- To become aware and consider a need for a particular thing to change in his life
- To decide what needs to be changed and a result is conceived
- To study strategies, plan goals and act on these goals step-by-step
Most people fail in getting to the second and third stages. They don’t know what specifically needs to be changed, or what exactly they want. Perhaps it’s more money, but how much? A better relationship, but with what kind of a person exactly?
If they can focus and quantify what they really want, they are easily discouraged because they don’t know how to achieve something they don’t have; they lack self-confidence; they blame others; they stay mired in self-pity; they feel if only they had money and resources, they could change; they make excuses that their time has not yet come. Whatever they felt and experienced in the Stage One and the beginning of Stage Two diminish because they lacked a burning desire to achieve the goal they initially conceived.
Ingredients in Decision Making:
Hill examined many historically famous people and found that their decisions were based on faith and courage. When they believed so strongly beyond the shadow of a doubt and executed action upon action taking risks along the way, they were, “immune to fear and the possibility of failure.” Hill gives the example of the courage and faith necessary to build a new nation. The fifty-six Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence risked their lives to give birth to America.
Cultural Perspectives:
Many cultures have their own symbols of courage and determination. My Japanese heritage always takes me to the vision of the big stage of Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto. This is indeed a place of breath-taking beauty and spirituality. The photo shows the main quarter of the temple (Hondo) with an open deck elevated 45 feet above the hills and forests below.
A well-known Japanese saying describes decision-making: “Jump off the Kiyomizu Temple Stage.” This adage applies whenever a major decision is made and carried through. It is a leap of faith; fear of failure is set aside. The fear of being ridiculed by your family or friends diminishes. In my life, whenever I commit to a major decision, I instinctively imagine myself jumping off the Kiyomizu Temple Stage.
One day I came across the story of the three frogs in literature found in the Twelve Steps AlAnon program.
Step Three of this teaching reads:
“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God.”
I will not go into the discussion of Twelve Steps here, but I would like to share a point of view that resonates in my heart. Changing your life begins with a willingness and openness as you begin to learn humility and develop a deeper connection to a God of your understanding. Becoming more aware, you see different possibilities and hope. Before this awareness, you may have lived in sadness, fear and resignation, and saw no solution to your problems. Now you are guided and come to a decision and see you can change your situation and life. However, you are not quite ready to proceed yet.
It is not for anyone else to judge how another person goes through life. I would like to celebrate that one frog actually made a decision to jump off. It is a beginning.
Executing a Decision:
Three frogs sitting on a lily pad represent desire, courage and faith. When all these spiritual attitudes are manifested, they will jump as one team and swim freely to achieve what they want. You must understand your definite purpose, vision and goals in life. I am quite certain that all of these ambitions are not just about getting more money, achieving fame, purchasing a bigger house or an expensive new car.
A decision is fueled by a burning desire, moved by courage and uplifted by faith. The three frogs work together; their collective decision to jump is carried out with persistence and the courage to overcome all possible obstacles. Once a decision has been made and executed, there will no longer be any frogs on the lily pad.
To your happiness and success,
Yukiko
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To your happiness and success,
Yukiko