You’re already further along than you think – now it’s time to explore your identity as the Decisive Decision-Maker in your business.
When client after client told me they wanted to make more decisive decisions, I thought it was an interesting turn of phrase. Aren’t all decisions decisive by definition? But as I listened, I started to understand what they meant and was able to see a pattern.
It wasn’t that they were struggling with decision-making itself. I watched them make choices all the time by asking for my support, trying new things, launching themselves into new directions, and quitting what wasn’t working.
But these decisions often happened under the radar, without a clear delineation of “I haven’t decided yet.” to “I’ve made my decision.” Instead of feeling like active participants in their choices...
They found themselves accidentally in motion.
As if the decision had made itself somewhere along the way.
Or as if a decision had been made in spite of them, and not actively by them.
Sometimes, it even felt somewhat positive, like having momentum or following alignment. Other times, it felt uneasy, where they weren’t sure whether they had chosen or simply ended up somewhere.
Without that moment of conscious recognition - This is the decision I’m making, and this is why - they felt carried forward by circumstances instead of consciously choosing the path.
It’s not that they weren’t making choices. It’s that they weren’t recognizing themselves as the decision-makers in their own business. And that they didn't see themselves as *decisive* decision-makers.
Decisive decision-making isn’t about never making another mistake or always knowing the right path - or even about deciding quickly without procrastinating. It’s about noticing when you’re at a decision point, claiming that moment, meeting it with presence, and moving forward with clarity - whether that means going forward, making adjustments, choosing to wait, or saying a final no.
Moving from Unconscious Change to Intentional Choice
The shift from passively or reactively making choices to Decisive Decision-Maker isn’t always dramatic. It often happens in quiet, subtle ways - ones you might not even realize are unfolding. Actually, to get really meta, becoming a Decisive Decision-Maker could be just another decision that you’re just not aware of yet. ;)
What passive mode might’ve looked like:
Choices happened under the radar.
You felt as though you were reacting rather than choosing.
Overthinking or indecisiveness was the norm.
Things “just happened,” and it wasn’t clear when or how you had actually made a decision.
It was difficult to trust yourself or identify as a decision-maker.
Subtle shifts that mean you’re moving toward decisiveness:
You’ve started recognizing that some decisions - like saying no to things that don’t align with your values - are fully within your control, and you’re feeling more ownership over those choices.
You’re feeling more clarity around what feels aligned and what doesn’t.
You’re uncomfortable with the amount of time spent in overthinking or indecision, and you might even be able to label what you’re feeling as frustration, anger, bitterness, or disappointment.
(If you’re into Human Design, you may recognize these as the four not-self themes for Generators + Mani Gens, Manifestors, Projectors and Reflectors, respectively.)
You’re paying more attention to how you make big decisions (like testing out a new offer, making a shift in your clientele, or closing the loop on a big purchase) and getting curious about what influences your choices.
Just the awareness that you’re thinking about how you think is an indication that you’re ready to nurture yourself a little more into this role, so you continue growing with intention.
As important as it is to recognize the signs that you're moving towards more empowered and decisive decision making – it's equally valuable to notice the signs of slipping back towards more passive patterns of deciding, so that you can course-correct if needed.
What Gets in the Way of Decisive Decision-Making?
Before you recognize yourself as a Decisive Decision-Maker, you may find yourself in one or more of the following modes:
Looking for perfection: An entrepreneur in this mode believes that every decision needs to be made with 100% certainty and that there’s only one right choice. They fear mistakes and delay action until they’re absolutely sure of the outcome. This often leads to inaction, as they perpetually collect more data or wait for the "perfect" moment that never arrives.
Stuck in overthinking mode: Rather than avoiding decisions outright, solo entrepreneurs can get stuck in analysis paralysis. They run through scenarios endlessly, second-guess themselves, and struggle to make a final decision. Even after making a decision, they may revisit and rethink it, keeping themselves in a loop of self-doubt.
Using avoidance as an indirect decision: Putting off choices until they become non-choices is common (and always feels so tragic!) Entrepreneurs who default to this will miss deadlines or wait just long enough for an opportunity to pass. (Although I personally find myself in all three of these modes from time to time, avoidance is the one I have to watch out for.)
Other common tendencies include:
Defaulting to what’s familiar: sticking with routines or offers without questioning alignment.
Saying yes by default: accepting opportunities without an intentional decision-making process.
Letting circumstances dictate action: reacting to client requests, industry trends, or external pressures instead of setting your own course.
Seeking external validation: making choices based on what others expect instead of your own alignment.
Recognizing these modes is the first step toward shifting into more empowered decision-making.
Stepping into the Identity of a Decisive Decision-Maker
You may feel that as a solo entrepreneur, of course you’re making all the decisions. But there’s a difference between being the default decision-maker and stepping into the identity of a Decisive Decision-Maker.
If you’re feeling stuck in cycles of overthinking or making choices by default, you’re not alone. Many business owners feel like they’re constantly navigating decisions without clarity or confidence. But decision-making is a skill, not a trait - you can grow into it.
Consider your answers to the following:
Do I often wait too long for clarity, assuming I need more information before I can act?
Am I making choices based on what feels acceptable to others, rather than what feels aligned for me?
Do I struggle to trust myself, overthinking small decisions or avoiding big ones?
Are you excited to experiment with new ways of choosing on purpose?
If you answered yes to most of these, you might be more ready than you realize to step into conscious, intentional decision-making as an everyday practice.
How to Embody the Identity of a Decisive Decision-Maker
1. Recognize When You’re at a Decision Point
Notice when…
you feel hesitant or uncertain. “I’m not sure…”
recurring thoughts or questions keep coming back up. “I’m still thinking about this…”
there’s a prompt to respond to (like a client inquiry, event invitation or a new opportunity)“ Do I want to ______ ?”
you feel a body-based reaction (tension, excitement, resistance) “I feel ______ in my body.”
2. Be Present In Your Decision-Making Moment
Pause and ask “Am I at a decision point right now?'"
If you feel yourself rushing, ask "What decision am I about to make without realizing it?"
Listen carefully to your answers (journal or voice-note if that helps your process). Then, name and claim it: “I’m at a decision point.”
This acts as your cue to…
3. Consult The Decision Diary Tab of Your Business Binder™
If you’ve been in my world for a while, chances are you’ve been keeping a Decision Diary inside your Business Binder™. The reason that this is a worthwhile activity is that understanding your decision patterns will help guide you towards successful outcomes. By making notes around decisions as you make them, you start to learn what works for you and what doesn’t based on your own past experiences = becoming more wise about yourself and your decisions.
Using past decisions (and whether they worked out or didn’t) helps inform our future by helping us make decisions in the present.
If you don’t have a Decision Diary yet, this decision you’re making right now can be the very first entry. I’ve written more on this process here, including what a Decision Diary looks like and some decision examples you can learn from. Trust me - entering into this journey where your decisions are made tangible will be one of the best business moves you’ll make!
Once you reach Step 3, it’s time to consult the wisdom from your past as a mechanism to change your future. Scan your Decision Diary for similar decision points. While you’re doing this, remember what these decisions felt like in your body. What made them ‘aligned’ or ‘not aligned’ then, and is that still relevant now?
4. Consult The Other Tabs of Your Business Binder™
The Business Binder™ is a living document that feels like a manual for yourself on how you run your business. That’s why, throughout the rest of your tabs, you’ll find your most important thoughts and values. Refreshing your memory on your mission, vision, ideal client, offers, voice, community, energy management etc. will help you make better, more deliberate decisions built on the living ideas inside the pages.
Leafing through this resource when you’re at a decision point means checking in with patterns and priorities you’ve already identified. This is one of my favourite aspects of this system: the idea that you’re looking for inspiration within your own thoughts - rather than looking for external validation to sway you towards one decision or another.
Aligned decision-making isn’t about finding the perfect solution or never making a mistake again; it’s about using the information available to make the best possible decision for you and your business.As a wellness or creative business owner, you want to feel connected and aligned. Step 4 is about reviewing what’s already in your Business Binder™ to help you make decisions that are aligned to your sense of purpose and meaning.
5. Choose with Awareness (This is the decision I’m making, and this is why.)
Decide how you want to move forward in alignment, and take the time to document your choice in your Decision Diary. Taking time to write a reflection helps strengthen your confidence and creates a positive feedback loop that continually improves your decision-making process. Over time, decisions feel easier, you find yourself choosing faster, and you feel more consistently aligned.
Most entrepreneurs find it helpful to identify their first steps in taking action on their decision at this time so they can work with the momentum of their energy. Try jotting down notes or scheduling what needs to happen next to support yourself in taking action.
My clients and I have all experienced that feeling of “am I even any good at this?” and I can confirm that it doesn’t feel good for anyone. Showing you how to find confidence in making decisions is my way to help you move past that feeling. (Watching your face light up when a feeling of pride starts to build is everything to me!)
Happy clients have this to say about building their Business Binder™ and working with me one-on-one in Conscious Partnership:
"Chantelle is my fairy godmother of business and one of my trusted advisors. As I read over the beautiful masterpiece that we created together (my Business Binder) I'm filled with such love. I'm really excited to have this black and white write-up to reflect on when making decisions for my business. I'm looking forward to the time I'll save and the stress I'll avoid by implementing this magical tool."
“I walked away with confidence that I can run my business in a way that is true to me. One of the most valuable takeaways are the tools I now have to make informed and intuitive decisions.”
The truth is, you’re already making decisions all the time - you just might not be claiming them as your own. Every small shift in awareness is proof that you’re stepping into a whole new stage of owning and running a business. It can be hard to feel the wins as they’re happening, which is why I find developing awareness such an effective skill for entrepreneurs to develop.
Recognizing yourself as a Decisive Decision-Maker isn’t about getting every choice ‘right’ - it’s about noticing the choices you’re already making and trusting yourself in the process. You’ve already started this shift, whether you realize it or not. The next time a decision arises, I hope you catch that moment of realization: “Oh, I see what’s happening here. I get to decide.”
