The “Adult” Way of Making Decisions Doesn’t Work. Here’s Why.

At the beginning of the year, I was this close to writing a book. 

Not just any book. You know, the kind of book that makes your peers sit up and take notice. 

I’ve always wanted to write a book. It’s been on my “want to” list for years. But this time, it felt within reach. A business mentor encouraged me, saying I had interesting perspectives to share right now.  

So I did what I normally do when I get hit with a big, exciting idea—I daydreamed about it while stopped at traffic lights or out for a walk to get lunch. I imagined the thrill of holding the first printed copy, saw myself handing it to clients, and felt the delight of linking to its online checkout page.

And then, I stopped myself. A nagging feeling kept me from saying “hell yeah”.

Not because I didn’t want it badly enough. Not because I didn’t believe I could do it.

But because I’ve learned that the best decisions as a business creator—the ones that truly move you forward—aren’t always the ones that inspire you. Sometimes, they’re about letting go of that inspiration for the time being. 

The Adult Way of Making Decisions…and The Way It Really Works 

And If you ask most coaches and mentors how to make a big decision, they’ll tell you to: 

☑️List out the pros and cons.
☑️Analyze the risks and rewards.
☑️Be logical, practical, rational.

And that sounds like the right approach, right? As corporate professionals, we’re used to this “adult” way of making decisions. Stay objective, don’t let emotions get in the way.

Except… that’s not how we actually make decisions.

We decide with emotion first. Then we use logic to justify it. 

Ever notice how doing it the typical way drains all the joy of the idea? It becomes as thrilling as your morning commute. 

That’s why, instead of forcing myself into grabbing a pen and a blank sheet of paper, I coached myself the same way I coach my clients:

• First, I leaned in and connected to the desire. What would it feel like to write this book? What would I gain from the process? What is the outcome I was hoping to create? 
• Then, I tested it against my bigger goals. This year, my focus has been on growing my audience and deepening my impact now. Did this book fit into that? 
• Finally, I got really honest with myself. Would writing this book be fulfilling? Absolutely. But would it serve my highest priorities right now? No. And the moment I admitted that, I felt relief.

This is what I do with my clients. I don’t just help them think through decisions. I help them feel their way into the right ones. The ones that are true for them—not just logical on paper. 

This way keeps the energy from shifting into in “I committed to this, now I HAVE to do it” energy. We all know how life-sucking that is.

Where I Channeled My Energy Instead 

I didn’t ignore my desire to write. I redirected it. 

Rather than pouring my energy into a book, I’m staying focused on my core priorities for the year including making sure I write awesome content for this newsletter. 

The clarity has made all the difference. 

What This Means for You 

Right now, you might be sitting on a big decision. 

You might be wrestling with a choice—something that feels right but might not be the right move right now. 

The way you approach that decision matters. You could follow the standard, logical, adult way. Or you could take the approach that’s worked for me and my clients:

1. Lean into the possibility—what excites you about this?
2. Compare it to your bigger vision—does it move you toward what you want now?
3. Get radically honest—are you making this decision because it serves you, or because it feels like something you “should” do?

This method doesn’t just help you make better decisions. It helps you make the right ones—the ones that lead to the outcomes you want to create for yourself. 

So, what’s something you’re considering right now? And how would it feel to make a decision this way?

Send me a message at pierre at pierrebradette dot com. I read and reply to every message.

To your success,

Pierre

Certified Professional Coach

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash