One of my favorite children’s books, A Wrinkle in Time, has a character called the “Happy Medium.” It is a play on the adage of needing to find a happy medium between two extremes. When starting a business, may entrepreneurs are at one extreme or the other when making business decisions.

Some are highly deliberative, research all possible options, get 45 prices before buying a case of printer paper, and delay a decision “in case” new information comes to light.

Some are lightning fast, accept the first offer, by full-price at the local store because its close to home, and jump to decisions without considering any options at all.

To have a successful business, you need to find a happy medium when it comes to decision-making. Get several bids in a reasonable time, then pick one. The time waiting for a better deal to come along is time you are not using the item or selling products. Do consider the most likely options and outcomes of a decision, but then make a decision and push forward. You may have to change direction later, but at least you have made progress in the meantime.

If you are usually a fast decision maker but find yourself dragging your heels, you may need to gather more information before you can make a decision. If you are usually deliberative, but find yourself jumping at a “must do it today” deal, watch out. There may be pitfalls you haven’t seen that slowing down a little will help yousee.

The bottom line — find a Happy Medium for your decision-making process and propel your business forward.

Starting a Business? Start Here. Go Far. LaunchX.com