Research shows that successful leaders do this one thing consistently...

Think You Know How to Succeed? Think Again.

If you ask most Christian professionals what determines success, you’ll get a variety of answers—hard work, talent, networking, even luck. But at its core, success comes down to one thing: making decisions.

Indecision is one of the greatest obstacles to growth, both professionally and spiritually. The longer you hesitate, the more opportunities pass you by. Scripture makes it clear:

"A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." — James 1:8

If you want to move forward in your career, relationships, or faith, you must become skilled at making decisions with confidence and clarity.

The Biblical Foundation for Decisiveness

Throughout Scripture, we see that God blesses those who act with conviction. When Joshua was tasked with leading Israel into the Promised Land, God didn’t tell him to overanalyze every possibility. Instead, He commanded:

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." — Joshua 1:9

Hesitation leads to fear, but trust in God leads to decisive action. Jesus Himself said:

"Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything beyond this comes from the evil one." — Matthew 5:37

The Science of Decision-Making

Research shows that successful leaders make decisions quickly and adjust as needed, while unsuccessful people remain stuck in analysis paralysis.

1. Decisiveness Reduces Stress

   • Neuroscientists have found that prolonged indecision increases cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to anxiety and mental fatigue.

2. Action Creates Clarity

   • Psychologists call it the "progress principle"—once you take the first step, momentum makes the next steps clearer.

3. Your Brain Rewards Action

   • Studies show that making a choice activates the dopamine system, which reinforces confidence and motivation.

How to Make Decisions with Confidence

1. Pray First, Then Act

   • Seek God’s wisdom (James 1:5), but don’t use prayer as an excuse to delay. Trust that He will guide you as you move forward.

2. Limit Your Options

   • Too many choices lead to paralysis. Successful people narrow down their options quickly and focus on the best path.

3. Accept That No Decision is Perfect

   • Waiting for absolute certainty will keep you stuck. Most choices can be adjusted later if needed.

4. Set a Time Limit

   • Give yourself a deadline to decide, and then move forward with confidence.

Success Begins with a Choice

Every major breakthrough in your career, spiritual life, and relationships starts with a decision. The people who achieve great things aren’t necessarily the smartest or most talented—they are simply the ones who choose to act.

What decision have you been putting off? Make it today. Then trust that God will guide your steps.