The Fork in the Road (#49)

We need to spend more time making the decision we made the right one, rather than wondering if we made the right decision

For many of us, when we come to a fork in the road—a decision point—we often stress about which path is the “right” one. Then, after we start down our chosen path, we spend time and energy second-guessing ourselves, frequently looking back over our shoulders at that proverbial fork.

This way of thinking creates unnecessary anguish by fostering the belief that making the “right” decision is what matters most. I’d argue that it’s not. What truly matters is how you execute and follow through on your decision. That’s what will ultimately influence your success.

From my experience, great execution beats an imperfect strategy every time. Seventeen years ago, my wife and I decided to buy our first condo—a fixer-upper. We expected to do some work, but we hadn’t counted on discovering serious termite damage, a failing boiler wrapped in asbestos, and a property manager who had been stealing funds for years, leaving the condo association with no reserves.

Needless to say, at the time, it definitely didn’t feel like we’d made a good decision. After some brief moments of regret, we realized there was no going back. All we could do was move forward and make the best of the decision we had made.

Here’s what we did. First, we contacted the inspection company, argued our case, and got them to agree to pay for the termite damage. Then, I joined the condo board, took over the finances, and hired a new management company. We became good friends with another young couple across the hall and jointly lobbied for a special assessment to build up the reserves, replace the boiler, remove the asbestos, and make other improvements to enhance the building’s appeal.

The result? Four years later, we sold our unit for almost 50% more than we had purchased it for—a far better outcome than we’d expected and an outcome that allowed us to afford or first house. If we had spent those four years looking back, we might have created a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson, one I try to remember whenever I feel like I haven’t made the “right” choice. Each day, we face a barrage of business and personal decisions. Of course, we want to be smart, informed, and exercise good judgment. But labeling decisions as purely “right” or “wrong” grossly oversimplifies the process.

What’s important is to make the decision and put 100% of your energy behind it. It’s the actions that come afterward—your focus, attention, and passion—that truly matter.

Quote of the Week

We need to spend more time making the decision we made the right one, rather than wondering if we made the right decision.