"Procrastination, the opposite of decision, is a common enemy which practically every man must conquer", Napoleon Hill, "Think and Grow Rich". In this critical seventh step, Mr. Hill reveals a surprising enemy of decisions, the most effective countermeasures to use against the enemy, and offers cautionary advice.

Most of us would probably consider a "poor" choice as our worst enemy. In reality "no choice" as a result of procrastination holds that distinction and is far more common. "No choice", by way of default, causes more damage because of its frequency.

There is an interesting contrast notes Mr. Hill, in the way decisions are made by successful and unsuccessful people. We may also classify the contrast by way of rich and poor.

Decisions made by the most successful people are:

• Made quickly.
• Made decisively.
• Changed slowly.

Decisions made by most unsuccessful people are, as expected, the exact opposite.

• Made very slowly.
• Made indecisively.
• Changed frequently.

One common tendency of many, revealed by Napoleon Hill in "Think and Grow Rich", is to rely on the opinions of others.

"If you are influenced by the opinions of others, you will have no desire of your own", he warns.

To summarize, we must learn, how to make decisions ourselves, how to make them properly and in order to master procrastination, how to make them promptly.

How to make your decision:

• Seek only the counsel of your mastermind group as only they have your true purpose in mind.
• Acquire any facts or information you need on your own.
• Keep your purpose to yourself.
• Make the final decision yourself.

Protect your purpose, your plan, yourself!

Mr. Hill also offers the following advice if you need to gather and as you gather information

• Keep your ears open.
• Keep your mouth shut.

His advice speaks to the dangers of speaking unwisely and untimely of your decisions. Revealing your plans before you are ready to take action may result in your loss of "first to market". There will be a time and place to reveal your decisions; at the point of action.

"Deeds, not words, are what really count".

"Tell the world what you intend to do, but first show it", Napoleon Hill, "Think and Grow Rich".
Remember, as necessary and valuable as proper and prompt decisions are they are only one step, and not the last step, toward growing rich. Decisions are not actions. Better to wait until a decision becomes a deed.