The best advice my dad ever gave me was this:
Make a decision using the best information available and then don’t look back.

I’ve carried that with me for years. It’s solid advice, especially in leadership roles where decisions carry weight and visibility. But let’s be honest: it’s not always easy to follow. I’ve known plenty of people who make a decision, then spend days or weeks second-guessing themselves. I’ve been there too. I catch myself wondering if I missed something, if I moved too fast, or if a different outcome would have been better.

But when I catch myself going down that road, I pause. Because I do have a system especially for the big decisions. One that helps me act with confidence, even when the future is uncertain.

Here’s what that looks like for me:

1. I research the heck out of it.
If I’m about to make a big decision, I want to understand the landscape. What are the risks? What are the options? What’s worked (or failed) for others?

2. I talk to people I trust.
If I know someone who has been through something similar, I ask questions. I listen carefully not just for the facts, but for the patterns and lessons underneath.

3. I build a weighted matrix.
Yes, a literal spreadsheet. I list the options, the criteria that matter to me or my organization, and I assign weights based on priorities. It doesn’t make the decision for me, but it brings clarity to what I value most.

4. I run it by someone who knows me and isn’t afraid to challenge me.
Ideally someone outside the situation. This step has saved me from blind spots more than once.

5. I sleep on it.
This part is non-negotiable. I’ve never regretted waiting one more day to let my brain process quietly in the background. A good night’s sleep gives me clarity that no late-night stress session ever has.

I don’t go through every step for every decision. But when it’s something big with long-term consequences, I take the time. That way, when I finally say yes (or no), I can move forward without second-guessing. Just like my dad taught me.