1) Know what the key issue really is.
2) What options aren't you considering?
3) Have clear criteria for success.
4) Talk to trusted friends for input.
5) Write your thoughts down.
6) Do something completely unrelated. Take a break!
7) Sleep on it.
8) Read what other people have done.
9) Work for success but plan for failure.
10) "Think big" - Danny Warshay.
11) Have a brainstorming session.
12) Realize when your emotions are in the way.
13) At the same time, respect how you feel.
14) Know what everyone else wants.
15) Give yourself the time you need.
16) But if it isn't getting done, make a deadline.
17) Read about genius decisions in unrelated areas. Research shows that this motivates without frustrating, as it might reading about a genius in your own field.
18) Pray or meditate on it.
19) Don't obsess on the small details.
20) Let the big picture inspire you.
21) If it doesn't, you need to find a way to make it big enough to inspire you.
22) If you've made the right decision, stick with it.
23) But - if after a reasonable period of time - things aren't working, that's ok. You have a new decision to make.
24) You aren't alone.
25) Follow WalMart's strategy: even if you aren't the best at first, continued improvement will soon get you there.
26) Think long term. The decision making process should be visionary.
27) Have both long term and short term goals to keep you on the path.
28) Exercise!
29) Imagine how a role model would approach the problem.
30) If the situation calls for it, use a consultant.
31) Only make decisions that let you rest easy at night.
32) Even the best decision can fail.
33) If you're in over your head, admit it.
34) Avoid oversimplifying something.
35) Look for patterns - of behavior or occurrence.
36) Study basic logic. Especially the fallacies.
37) Listen to your "gut."
38) Be proud of your decision.
