| Discovering the simple truth about being decisive lies | | | | to one of concern, "You said you have enough |
| in your ability to understand your core desires. | | | | information and you don't have any questions, is that |
| Being decisive means knowing what you really really | | | | correct?" Hesitantly, I responded, "Yes, I guess so." |
| really want. When you have crystal clear clarity of | | | | He pressed forward, "You said you wanted a change, |
| what you want to accomplish, you will most certainly | | | | an adventure and a different life, is that true?" "Yes," |
| achieve it. When I was younger, I learned this lesson | | | | I conceited. "Well, we are offering what you are |
| from a Marine Corps recruiter. Below is an excerpt | | | | looking for, so I don't understand. What is there to |
| from my book, "Doing it By the Numbers." | | | | think about?" he said. "I'm not sure." I was confused. |
| As I entered the recruiting office a young Sergeant | | | | Sergeant Pritchard slid his chair close to mine and |
| stood, "May I help you?" He typified the image of a | | | | leaned toward me, "I understand it is scary getting |
| Marine, muscular and tall with a shaved head. "Yes, | | | | into something you don't know much about. I was |
| please... I'd like to get some information about the | | | | you eight years ago, sitting in the same spot. Let me |
| Marines," I responded. A grin slid from the Sergeants | | | | say this, something brought you here today, |
| mug, "Sure! Why don't you come this way and have | | | | something guided you to walk into this office and |
| a seat." I strolled to a desk in the back corner and | | | | maybe right now you don't understand it, but you |
| plunked down in a cozy black leather chair. I sat with | | | | don't need to. The only thing you need to do is make |
| Sergeant Pritchard for hours collecting data, watching | | | | a decision. Are you in or are you out? It is a long |
| promo videos and trying to contain my excitement. | | | | road, so don't worry about the details, just make a |
| Had I won the lottery? "This is going to be cool!" I | | | | choice. Don't worry about me judging you, or what |
| thought. | | | | others think, you seem like a nice kid, but I don't |
| Then, Sergeant Pritchard paused as a look of | | | | know you. Decide what is right for you and quite |
| concern flooded his face. He spoke, "Do you have | | | | frankly, the Marines aren't for everyone and that's |
| enough information?" Eagerly, I replied, "Yes! Yes, I | | | | okay too." There was a long pause as his words |
| do!" "Do you have any questions for me?" he | | | | sunk deep into my mind. "What's it going to be? Are |
| continued. "No, I don't think so," I boasted. "So, let's | | | | you in or are you out?" he intently asked. "I'm in." |
| get started with the paper work," Sergeant Pritchard | | | | When you truly know what you want, you will have |
| assumed. Suddenly, my heart pounded, my palms | | | | no problem making swift decisions. If you are |
| became sweaty and the fear rushed in. "Uh, what do | | | | hesitant on making a decision, perhaps, you need to |
| you mean? I need to think about it!" I exclaimed. | | | | explore your core desires. Start by asking yourself, |
| "What do you need to think about?" he questioned. | | | | "What do I really really really want?" |
| Silence swept through the air as if an angel had | | | | So, I pose the same questions to you, what's it |
| walked into the room. | | | | going to be? Are you in or are you out? |
| Suddenly, his demeanor shifted from being assertive | | | | |