The Ultimate Guide to Business Decision Making: Everything You Need to Succeed with Brad Young’s Bestselling Method
- Brad Young
- Jun 29
- 4 min read
Let’s be real for a second: business is just a series of decisions stacked on top of each other. Some are small, like which coffee to order for the meeting, and some are massive, like whether to pivot your entire company’s strategy. But here’s the kicker, the quality of your life and your business is ultimately a direct reflection of the quality of your decisions.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re constantly "firefighting" instead of leading, you’re likely struggling with decision fatigue or a lack of a clear framework. That’s where Brad Young’s #1 bestselling method comes in.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the core principles from the book The 6 Pillars of Decision Making and showing you how to integrate them with the transformational power of the CHANGE framework. Whether you’re a solopreneur or a seasoned CEO, these strategies are your roadmap to making faster, smarter, and more strategic choices.
Why Decision Making is Your Superpower
Most people make decisions based on "gut feeling" or current emotions. While intuition has its place, relying on it alone is a recipe for inconsistency. Brad Young’s research shows that top performers don't just "wing it." They use a repeatable system that filters out the noise and focuses on long-term growth.
When you master decision-making, you:
Save Time: No more agonizing over options for days.
Reduce Stress: Confidence comes from knowing you followed a solid process.
Drive Growth: Better decisions lead to better ROI, period.
The Foundation: Integrating CHANGE into Your Decisions
At Brady Young Change, we believe that transformation isn't an accident. It’s a result of mastering six specific areas. When it comes to business decision-making, these six pillars act as your filter. If a decision doesn't align with these, it’s probably a "no."
1. Communication: The Alignment Factor
Before you pull the trigger on a big move, ask yourself: How will this be communicated? Clear communication is the difference between a team that’s bought in and a team that’s confused. In his book CHANGE, Brad emphasizes that communication isn't just about talking; it's about creating alignment.
If your decision involves stakeholders, your first step is a communication plan. Are you listening to feedback? Are you sharing the "why" behind the choice?
2. Habits: Automated Excellence
Decisions shouldn't always require massive willpower. High-performers build habits that make the "right" choice the automatic one. For example, if you have a habit of reviewing data every Monday morning, your decision-making for the rest of the week becomes data-driven by default.
Ask yourself: What habit can I install today to make this decision easier tomorrow?
3. Attitude: The Lens of Perspective
Your mindset dictates your options. If you approach a business challenge with a fixed or negative attitude, you’ll only see risks. If you approach it with the growth mindset championed in Brad’s work, you see opportunities for innovation. Before making a choice, do an "attitude check." Are you deciding out of fear or out of vision?
4. Network: Leveraging the Inner Circle
No one succeeds in a vacuum. Your network is one of your most valuable decision-making assets. When Brad Young talks about building a high-performer inner circle, he’s talking about having people you can call to stress-test your ideas.
Sometimes, the best decision is to ask someone who has already been where you’re trying to go. Success leaves clues, and your network is the map.
5. Goals: The Ultimate North Star
Every decision must pass the "Goal Test." In The 6 Pillars of Decision Making, Brad outlines how decisions must align with your long-term aspirations. If a choice looks profitable today but takes you further away from your 5-year goal, it’s a distraction, not an opportunity.
6. Education: The Data-Driven Edge
In an ever-changing market, you cannot rely on what you knew yesterday. The final pillar of the CHANGE framework is Education. This means continuous learning and research-backed methods. Smart business decisions are fueled by data, not just dreams.
Whether it's reading the latest industry research or diving into Brad’s 65 techniques for strategic choices, your education is your competitive advantage.
Actionable Strategies for Strategic Choices
Ready to put the #1 bestselling method into practice? Here are three actionable strategies you can use today:
The "Rule of Three" Filter
When faced with a complex problem, don't just look for one solution. Force yourself to find three viable options.
Option A: The safe, incremental path.
Option B: The bold, disruptive path.
Option C: The "do nothing" or middle-ground path. Comparing these three helps you see the trade-offs more clearly.
The 10-10-10 Rule
Brad often references this classic but powerful tool. Ask yourself:
How will I feel about this decision in 10 minutes?
How will I feel about it in 10 months?
How will I feel about it in 10 years? This instantly shifts your perspective from short-term emotion to long-term legacy.
Data vs. Delusion
Before finalizing a choice, list the facts vs. the assumptions.
Fact: Our customer churn increased by 5%.
Assumption: Our customers don't like the new interface. Don't make a decision based on an assumption without testing it first. Use the Education pillar to find the real data.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Future
Business decision-making isn't a gift you're born with; it's a skill you develop. By applying the 6 pillars of Communication, Habits, Attitude, Network, Goals, and Education, you turn the chaotic process of choosing into a streamlined engine for success.
As Brad Young says in CHANGE, "You are one decision away from a completely different life." Which decision are you going to make today?
If you're ready to dive deeper and master the 65 techniques used by the world's most successful leaders, pick up your copy of The 6 Pillars of Decision Making or start your transformation journey with the book CHANGE.
It's time to stop guessing and start growing.
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