The Skill of Decisive Change - Insights From a Motivational Speaker

The Skill of Decisive Change: Why Fewer Choices Lead to Better Decisions

Change feels daunting when the stakes are high. We hesitate, overanalyze, and sometimes freeze, fearing we’ll make the wrong decision. But what if the real issue isn’t the change itself—but our ability to decide?

Decisiveness isn’t a personality trait—it’s a skill, one that can be practiced and strengthened. And like any skill, it can be refined with the right techniques.

The Coin Flip Test

Ever been torn between two options? Try this: Flip a coin. Not to leave the decision to chance, but to reveal your instincts.

The trick isn’t in the result—it’s in your reaction. If the coin lands on one side and you feel a sense of relief, you’ve found your answer. If you feel disappointment, you already know what you really want. The coin simply forces clarity.

Leaders who navigate change effectively don’t obsess over making the perfect choice. They make the best choice based on what they know now and move forward.

The Power of Two, Not Three

In the 1950s, a successful Los Angeles shoe store owner discovered a simple but powerful truth about decision-making. If a customer tried on a pair of shoes and asked for a second option, he provided it. But if they asked for a third, he made them choose between the first two.

Why? Because too many choices create paralysis. When faced with three or more options, people hesitate, overthink, and often leave without buying anything. But when given two, they decide.

This same principle applies to change. When teams are overwhelmed by too many possibilities, progress stalls. But when options are narrowed, action follows.

Change is a Skill, Not an Obstacle

The ability to navigate change isn’t something you either have or don’t—it’s a set of skills. Decisiveness is one of them. The more we practice making choices with confidence, the easier change becomes.

If you want to build a change-ready culture, start by simplifying decisions. Help your team focus on what matters, reduce unnecessary options, and embrace forward momentum. Change isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment—it’s about making the best choice now and adapting along the way.

If your team or organization needs help building a change-ready culture, let’s talk. Julian Mather’s CHANGEABILITY keynote is designed to help leaders and teams navigate change with confidence. Reach out today to book Julian for your next event.