Decision Making in Uncertain Times

In a world defined by change and uncertainty, we all need a frameworks that ground us. This questions bringing confidence, focus, and peace in making important decisions in uncertain times.

Making Confident Decisions in Uncertain Times

This year, I made several important decisions that have shaped my academic, professional, and personal journey. Some came easily, guided by logic and clarity. Others, however, demanded deep reflection, difficult conversations, and honest introspection. A few carried financial weight that made me pause, second-guess, and search for guidance that, at times, wasn’t forthcoming.

I’ve always believed in the law of attraction—the idea that when you focus your energy and attention on something, the answers eventually reveal themselves. One morning, almost serendipitously, I stumbled upon an article by Cheryl Strauss Einhorn titled “In Uncertain Times, Ask These Questions Before You Make a Decision.” It felt like the universe had delivered it right on time.

When it came to making decisions regarding my academic growth, the path has always been clearer, with decisions that rarely met resistance. But when it came to personal growth and financial investments, the journey is different—crowded with opinions, fears, and “what ifs.” Ms. Einhorn’s framework helped me navigate the gray areas in decision making with renewed confidence. Looking back, I realize how transformative those questions have been. Let’s explore some of them.

1. Will this decision still make sense next year?

We live in what some call a “permacrisis”—a state of ongoing uncertainty where political instability, job insecurity, inflation, and shifting global trends constantly shape our lives. Yet, amid all this unpredictability, we must keep growing, investing, and planning for the future.

Before making any big move, especially around money or personal growth, I now ask myself: “Will this decision still make sense next year?”

This question pushes me to think about sustainability and durability. For instance, before buying a car, I ask: Can I sustain its maintenance, fuel, and insurance comfortably for the next year? A car depreciates, yes—but it can also save time, improve efficiency, and enhance quality of life. If the operational costs outweigh the benefits, I wait. But if the long-term gains—like productivity and peace of mind—outweigh the costs, I go for it.

2. What would this decision say about my leadership a year from now?

Our choices reflect who we are—our values, integrity, and courage. Leadership isn’t confined to titles; it’s about how we act when no one’s watching.

When I think about a decision through this lens, it changes everything. A few years ago, my sister left formal employment to start her own law firm. My mother was hesitant—understandably, she valued the stability a paycheck offers. But my sister took the leap, and today she’s thriving. Her boldness taught us that leadership sometimes means taking risks that others fear to take. It’s about being brave enough to bet on yourself.

I often ask myself: If people looked back on this decision a year from now, what would it teach them about my leadership? That question alone has reshaped how I approach risk and responsibility.

3. What if this isn’t the storm, but the climate?

Earlier this year, I wanted to buy land and start building my own home. The advice came fast and firm—“Wait.” Interest rates were high, construction costs were rising, and the job market felt shaky.

But as I wrestled with indecision, I asked myself a question from Ms. Einhorn’s article: “What if this isn’t the storm, but the climate?”

That single question reframed my thinking. It reminded me that uncertainty isn’t a passing phase—it’s the world we live in now. Waiting for a perfect environment is like waiting for calm seas in a stormy ocean; it rarely happens. I decided to move forward, adapt as I go, and trust my ability to adjust to whatever comes next. Today, I’ve made progress I wouldn’t have seen had I waited for the “right time.” Because truthfully, it never arrives.

4. What is the cost of waiting?

This one hits deeply. Delay often carries a hidden cost—lost time, missed opportunities, or unfulfilled potential.

Think of entrepreneurs on Shark Tank who hesitate too long and lose million-dollar deals. For me, waiting meant continuing to pay rent—money that could have gone into my own home. So I flipped the question: “What is the cost of acting now?” or “What do I have to lose?”

Today when applying for a job, I remind myself: “The worst that can happen is rejection; on the flip coin, the best that could happen can change your life.” That simple reminder captures the essence of courage in decision-making—acting even when the outcome is uncertain.

These questions have become my compass. They’ve taught me that clarity rarely precedes action; often, it follows it. Decision-making is less about knowing everything in advance and more about trusting yourself to navigate what comes next.

In a world defined by change and uncertainty, we all need frameworks that ground us. For me, these questions have done just that—bringing confidence, focus, and peace to even the hardest choices.