Making Decisions That Improve the Future Without Compromising the Present — Part 2: The Practice of Daily Decision Leadership

In Part 1, we explored how to balance boldness and wisdom — how to take meaningful risks

that move us forward without compromising the things that matter most. Now, let’s talk about how to practice that balance — not just in theory, but in the decisions that make up your every day. Because here’s the truth: the future isn’t something we wait for — it’s something we decide toward.

The Primary Focus: The Main Event of Your Day

Every day, I begin with a question I learned from years of working with John Maxwell:

“What is the main event of my day?”

It’s simple — but powerful. If everything else fell apart, what is the one thing that would still make this day a win?

Leadership isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most.

Once you’ve identified your main event, use the Three Questions to guide your time and energy:

1. What is required of me? Before we can dream about the future, we must first fulfill the responsibilities already within our Circle of Control. At Leadership Harbor, we teach that this circle represents everything you can directly influence — your mindset, actions, preparation, and response. Staying within that circle doesn’t limit you; it liberates you. It keeps you from wasting energy on what you can’t control — like other people’s opinions or outcomes — and focuses your strength on what you can. (Pay special attention here, most people do not really get this step.)

   
   

2. What gives me the greatest return? Every decision carries a cost. Whether it’s time, money, or energy, we’re always investing something. Ask yourself: Where will my effort bring the highest growth, joy, or progress — not just for me, but for others?Reasonable risk is “built on strategy and plays to your strengths.” Reckless risk, by contrast, drains resources with no connection to past success.  The best leaders aren’t afraid to stretch, but they build from their strengths, not their stress.

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4. What is rewarding to me? Doing work that’s meaningful fuels momentum. You can power through pressure when your purpose is clear. This is why I encourage leaders to connect their decisions to their values — health, family, faith, and generosity. When your “why” is strong enough, the “how” becomes manageable.

When Opportunity Knocks, Listen for Alignment

Opportunity is one of those words we often romanticize — but not every opportunity is yours to take. Opportunity should always be filtered through two lenses:

• Does this align with my values and priorities?

• Will this stretch me in the direction of my purpose?

The best opportunities often come disguised as hard work, uncomfortable change, or delayed gratification. And when risk taking seems like it is getting too risky, we get to consider:  am I afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone; am I afraid to fail; or is this experience going to broaden my experiences and opportunities?  We remind ourselves obstacles are not final — they’re often the very experiences that expand our potential.

So don’t run from challenge; use it as your classroom. Action is the great educator, but only if you remain teachable.

When you say yes to the right opportunities, you grow. When you say no to the wrong ones, you protect your future. Both are courageous acts of leadership.

The Power of Personal Elitism

Let’s talk about a word that sometimes makes people uncomfortable — elitism.  At Leadership Harbor, we redefine it. It’s not arrogance; it’s alignment. Elitism means playing by the rules you define for yourself — rules rooted in integrity, excellence, and purpose. It’s the personal standard you set and refuse to compromise. For example:

• You might decide that health will never take a back seat to hustle.

• Or that family time isn’t “extra,” it’s essential.

• Or that generosity isn’t an afterthought; it’s a daily practice.

When you live by those rules, your decisions become easier — because they’re already pre-filtered by your principles.

Leaders who define their own rules don’t have to keep renegotiating their values. They know who they are, what matters most, and what’s non-negotiable. That clarity reduces confusion and increases confidence.

Courage, Not Recklessness

William Arthur Ward said, “Only the person who risks is free.”

Freedom, though, doesn’t mean foolishness. The goal isn’t to take every risk, but to take the right ones — the ones that align with your values and move you toward your purpose. Ask yourself: Am I thinking reasonably or recklessly?

• Reasonable risk challenges you but doesn’t overwhelm you.

• Reckless risk tempts you to ignore wisdom for speed or applause.

You can feel the difference. Reasonable risk creates peace, even in uncertainty. Reckless risk creates chaos, even when things look exciting.

A Daily Decision Habit

If you want to improve your future without compromising your present, try this simple daily habit:

1. Identify your main event. What’s today’s highest priority?

2. Filter decisions through the three questions.

   • What’s required of me?

   • What gives the greatest return?

   • What’s rewarding to me?

3. Act within your Circle of Control. Do what you can, release what you can’t.

4. Evaluate your opportunities. Does this align with who I’m becoming?

5. Live by your personal rules. Define your “elitism” — and stick to it.

These small practices compound over time. They create a future built not by chance, but by choice.

The Reward of Wise Risk

The greatest risk is refusing to live — playing it so safe that you never experience your own potential. When your daily decisions align with your values, when you take calculated risks, and when you stay focused on what’s within your control, you not only build a better future — you create a more fulfilling present.

That’s what I call Decision Leadership — and it’s available to all of us.

So, friend, what will be your main event today?