If you’re like many entrepreneurs then you may have project ideas and business ideas that come to you almost daily. Some of those ideas you take action on and others you don’t. Yet the decisions you make may not always be the ones that are best for you or your business. This is because there are many factors that go into any decision. Some of those factors are the emotions you’re feeling in relationship to the decision. It may feel like it’s too big of an idea or you may have doubts about the idea itself. Believe it or not, there’s a fairly straightforward process to help you make better business decisions.
Ask Yourself Why
Why is a simple yet powerful question to ask. Whenever you have any idea, decision to make or you’re taking action ask yourself why.
* Why is it a good/bad idea?
* Why are you having doubts or why do you feel confident about the decision.
* Why are you taking action, or why not?
* Why are you struggling?
* Why are you succeeding?
Why is a pivotal question that can help you identify challenges, opportunities, mindset, progress and so much more. Asking “Why” teaches you to look at the reason behind your decisions and behaviors. It forces you to be aware of the reasons behind the action you’re taking and the action you’re procrastinating on or avoiding.
Drill Down
Once you begin asking why, you’ll naturally begin to feel a bit like a two-year old. For every answer you give, there will be another why. For example, why is it a good idea? Because your audience has been asking for it. Why have they been asking for this product or service? Because it’s what you do best? Why do you do it best? Because you love to do it?
As you can see, you’ll be able to get to the core of any decision and evaluate whether it’s the right decision for you and whether it’s the right decision for your business.
Making it a Habit
This concept of asking yourself why is easy if you’re two years old. If you’re a busy adult with ten different things competing for your attention at any given time then it can be difficult to remember. However, taking the time to ask “Why” for any important decision can save you tremendous time and energy in the long run. It can also help you fine tune your decisions and action steps. Begin asking yourself why for the simpler decisions and let the habit evolve. You can incorporate it into your business planning sessions and your everyday actions.