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"Most decisions should probably be made with somewhere around 70% of the information you wish you had. If you wait for 90%, in most cases, you’re probably being slow."

Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos Entrepreneur
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Making decisions is tough, right? We all wish we had all the information before making a big call—whether it's choosing a new job, buying a house, or even picking a dinner spot. But here’s the kicker: waiting for too much information can actually slow you down. You don’t need every single piece of the puzzle to make a good decision. According to the quote, you should aim to decide when you’ve got about 70% of the info you want. If you hang around waiting for 90%, you’re probably dragging your feet.

This idea is super relevant in today’s fast-paced world. Think about business, for instance. Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon, popularized this concept. He believes that in a dynamic environment, you can't afford to wait until you have all the facts. By the time you do, opportunities might have passed, or the situation could have changed. It’s a balancing act between being informed and being paralyzed by analysis.

Let’s dive into an example. Imagine you’re the manager of a startup. You’ve identified a potential new market. The initial data looks promising, but you don’t have all the details. Do you wait for another six months to gather more data and risk a competitor jumping in first? Or do you make the call to enter the market with the 70% information you have? If you wait too long, the window of opportunity might close. By moving forward with 70% of the data, you’d be taking a calculated risk—one that could pay off big time.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by recognizing that perfection is the enemy of progress. If you wait until everything is just right, you might never act. Next time you’re faced with a decision, ask yourself if you have enough information to make a reasonably informed choice. If you’re around that 70% mark, it might be time to take the leap. Sure, there’s a chance things won’t go perfectly, but that’s part of the journey.

Here’s a relatable scenario: Imagine you’re planning a vacation. You’ve done some research on a few destinations but haven’t nailed down every detail. You’re torn between waiting to find the perfect deal or booking now with the info you have. If you wait for the perfect deal, flights might get more expensive, or the best hotels might get booked up. Instead, you decide to book with the 70% of information you have. You know enough to feel confident you’ll have an awesome time, and you’re flexible enough to deal with any surprises.

In the end, it’s about trusting yourself and your ability to adapt. Life rarely gives us 100% certainty. By embracing the 70% rule, you can make decisions more efficiently and confidently. So, next time you’re stuck in decision paralysis, remember: don’t wait for all the stars to align. Sometimes, good enough is just that—good enough.
Related tags
Action orientation Business strategy Decision making Efficiency Leadership Management Proactive approach Quick decisions Risk taking
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