SKo
Trailhead Thoughts
“You cannot make progress without making decisions.”
- Jim Rohn
Trail Map - Learn. Think. Act. ™
Do or Do Not - How to Decide.
Decision-making is one of those skills that can either move you forward on the trail or leave you wandering in circles. Every “yes” is also a “no” to something else, and that can feel heavy if you don’t have a system in place.
You don’t need to overcomplicate it. With the right lenses - urgency vs. importance, energy vs. impact, and reversible vs. irreversible, you can cut through the noise and move confidently toward your goal.
📚Learn
At its core, decision-making is simple. Yet, we overcomplicate it.
Do or Do Not.
Every choice is a choice to cut something off - it’s a line in the sand.
But, the best decisions aren’t just quick reactions. They’re thoughtful actions based on clear criteria like:
Importance vs. Urgency - Eisenhower Matrix
Energy vs. Impact - the Catalyst - Do what you’re made for Matrix
Reversible vs. Irreversible - Type 1 and 2 decisions.
🤔Think
Where are you spending your time? Is it focused on the urgent/not important stuff? Or, the important not urgent?
Are you doing work that builds you up or drains you?
Do you know your blind spots (ego, loyalty, fear)?
And most importantly, are you making decisions with clarity or just reacting?
💪 Act
Define the decision.
Set your criteria.
Use tools: Eisenhower Matrix, Energy vs. Impact Matrix, or a simple “do/do not” line.
Know if it’s reversible - then decide how fast to act.
Build your own decision-making playbook before the pressure hits.
Share this with someone who needs more clarity in their decision-making.
Beyond the Trailhead
The Real Work of Decision-Making
I think we can agree that at first glance, decision-making seems straightforward: choose A or B, yes or no, do or don’t. But, it also seems that decisions that matter in leadership in business aren’t necessarily about picking one thing over another. They include understanding the ripple effects of that choice, the energy and effort it will, and whether the path is one you can return from or not.
This is where we find that leaders get tripped up. They either move too fast - acting without clarity, or they freeze - overwhelmed by options and what-ifs.
Go Beyond Urgency
If you live in “urgent mode,” you’ll always feel like you’re putting out fires. Instead, why not pause and ask:
What’s important but not urgent that I keep kicking down the trail?
Am I neglecting the long-term because I’m hooked on the adrenaline of “right now?”
The Eisenhower Matrix isn’t just a productivity trick, it’s a way to realign your leadership focus.
Energy Audit
Here’s a tool most leaders ignore: your energy. Ask yourself:
Which decisions leave me drained versus fueled?
Am I tackling high-energy, high-impact work when I’m at my best or when I’m already spent?
Map your week not just by tasks, but by when you’re at your peak and when you’re better off handling the small stuff.
The Reversibility Test
Not all decisions carry the same weight. Jeff Bezos framed it this way:
One-way doors (irreversible decisions): Take your time.
Two-way doors (reversible decisions): Act fast, test, learn, adjust.
We find that all too often, leaders treat everything like a one-way door and end up paralyzed. Find the courage to call it what it is, and move forward accordingly.
Build Your Playbook
Decision-making under pressure is like hiking in the dark without a headlamp. Instead of this approach, create a playbook before the pressure hits:
Your criteria (urgency, importance, energy, reversibility.)
Your go-to tools (matrix, grids, even a simple do/don’t line.)
Your “check questions” to avoid blind spots like ego, loyalty, or fear.
With that prep, you’re not reacting, you’re leading.
The next time you face a decision, don’t ask “what should I do?” Ask, “what kind of decision is this?” This small shift could be what changes the outcome.
Struggling with decision-making isn’t a flaw - it’s a subtle signal that clarity is missing. If you or your team feel stuck in the urgent and reactive, I can help. My Strategic Whiteboard Sessions are built to cut through the noise and create actionable clarity. Learn more here.
Voices from the Trail
Meet Mike – founder of Catalyst
Find My Catalyst - Ep 382
Listen in as Mike breaks decision-making down into simple, practical tools that actually work. The conversation highlights the power of focus, the importance of aligning work with strengths, and how small shifts can reduce stress while increasing productivity.
You will walk away with actionable strategies to streamline your choices and lead with more clarity and effectiveness.
Listen to this episode on Spotify
Hitting the Trail
We’re lacing up and heading out. Here’s where Catalyst will be in the coming weeks. Join us on the path and be part of the conversation.
SKO/ RKO/ GKO coming up? Don’t just inspire your team, equip them. Mike is your go-to guy for revenue growth, leadership, and communication. Click here to discuss your next event.
That’s it for this week.
Good ideas spread like stories around a campfire. Forward this to a friend or colleague who’s looking for fresh ways to grow their leadership, revenue, or execution skills.
Keep putting one intentional step in front of the other - the view gets better and better as you climb.
The Find My Catalyst Team