This article was originally written by Dan Sullivan and published on COACH INSIDER on July 17, 2025. It is reposted here. Bad Decisions Beat No Decisions For Entrepreneurs
When I started as a copywriter at a large ad agency in Toronto, my creative director taught me something that changed how I approach decision making.
He was a tough street kid who didn’t go to college until his thirties, and when people would stress about making the “right decision,” he’d look at them and say, “Nobody makes right decisions. You make a decision—and work like hell to make it right.”
That mindset has stuck with me for decades. And in today’s world, it’s more relevant than ever.
In times of uncertainty, most people wait. They stall. They default to bureaucracy. They overthink and delay progress because they’re afraid of making the wrong move.
But entrepreneurs have a distinct advantage: You don’t have to wait. You can make a decision right now, and start moving forward—while everyone else is still standing still.
This mentality—prioritizing action over perfection—is what separates entrepreneurs who thrive from those who get stuck. Because when you’re indecisive, you’re not just pausing … you’re slipping backward. You’re building pressure, second-guessing yourself, and cutting yourself off from learning.
But the moment you make a decision—any decision—and take action, everything changes.
You start learning.
You gain insight.
You build momentum.
You get feedback and make improvements.
You make progress.
To test this theory, I started a simple practice over the past two weeks. Instead of starting each day with a list of competing priorities, I choose just one thing to focus on.
I use The Impact Filter tool to identify what matters most, and I commit to completing that one thing—no matter what.
The result? I complete it with 100% success. And my confidence soars.
So I’ll leave you with this:
Uncertain times don’t have to slow you down. In fact, they can be the best time to invest in yourself—because while the rest of the world waits, you can move forward.
The entrepreneurs who win aren’t the ones who play it safe. They’re the ones who act, learn, and adapt.
Because indecision isn’t safe – it’s the riskiest position of all.
Best,
Dan Sullivan
Co-Founder and President
Strategic Coach
