Good decision makers know that there is always the chance for failure in what seems to be sure thing. They also know that there is always the chance for success in what appears to be an utter failure. But it is the tension between these two that stimulates them and makes them think. The key to their skills as decision makers is the development of comfort with the calculated risk in between. They realize that there are few places where failure or success is absolute. Their secret is maintaining the perspective necessary to see failure and success in relative terms.
Is it uncomfortable to fail? Of course. But has anyone ever grown without discomfort? Every time you fail you learn, if you choose to pay attention. That’s what good decision makers do. Fail enough and you learn the nuances of any situation.
Sadly, our society seems to be evolving into a culture of absolutes. You’re either right or wrong. You either win or lose. You either succeed or fail. Good decision makers understand that true success is found in the middle and is obtained through calculated risk.