Success is not a matter of chance—it’s a matter of choice. While circumstances may influence our lives, it’s ultimately our decisions that shape our future. Behind every successful person is a series of pivotal choices that define their path. These are not fleeting resolutions but deep, intentional commitments to a way of thinking and acting.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore The Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success—seven powerful choices you can make today that will change your trajectory for life.
1. The Responsible Decision: The Buck Stops Here
The first and most important decision you can make is to take full responsibility for your life. This means no more blaming others, no more victim mindset, and no more waiting for someone else to fix your problems.
Key principle: You are where you are today—financially, emotionally, and relationally—because of decisions you’ve made. Accepting this truth is liberating because it puts the power back in your hands.
What it means in context: Whether it’s your career, your health, or your relationships, taking ownership means you acknowledge that your current situation is largely a result of your actions and mindset. Even if external forces played a role, your response to those events is within your control. This decision marks a shift from reactive living to proactive leadership over your life.
Action Step:
- Write down areas where you’ve blamed others in the past.
- Reframe them by asking: “How did my decisions contribute to this outcome?”
- Own your role and choose a new path forward.
Quote to remember:
“The moment you take responsibility for everything in your life is the moment you gain the power to change anything.” — Hal Elrod
2. The Guided Decision: Seek Wisdom
Wise decisions lead to success, and wisdom is rarely found in isolation. The second decision is to seek guidance from mentors, experiences, books, and people who have walked the path before you.
Why it matters:
Life is too short to make every mistake yourself. By seeking wisdom proactively, you shorten your learning curve and avoid costly detours.
What it means in context: Seeking wisdom means being humble enough to admit you don’t have all the answers. In personal finance, for instance, consulting a financial advisor can help you avoid years of trial-and-error. In leadership, it means asking for feedback and learning from both success and failure—yours and others’.
How to apply:
- Find mentors or coaches who challenge and inspire you.
- Read at least one book a month on personal growth or your field.
- Ask more questions than you answer.
Daily Habit: Journal what you learned today—and how you can apply it tomorrow.
3. The Active Decision: Be a Person of Action
The third decision that shapes success is choosing to be a person of action. You cannot wish or wait your way into a better life—you must take consistent and courageous action.
Success formula:
Vision + Action = Results
Procrastination and fear often paralyze even the most talented individuals. But high achievers act—imperfectly, quickly, and persistently.
What it means in context: In a career setting, being a person of action means volunteering for tough projects or initiating new ideas even when you’re unsure of the outcome. It’s about building a reputation as someone who gets things done, not just talks about doing them.
Action Plan:
- Choose one small task you’ve been avoiding. Do it immediately.
- Build momentum by completing “mini-wins” every day.
- Remember: Action eliminates fear faster than any pep talk.
4. The Certain Decision: Have a Decided Heart
Make up your mind—and keep it made up. A decided heart is one that doesn’t waver at every obstacle or delay. This decision reflects commitment, perseverance, and mental toughness.
Why it works:
Indecision drains energy. Commitment creates clarity and resilience.
What it means in context: Having a decided heart is crucial when working toward long-term goals. For example, someone pursuing a degree or building a business needs to remain focused and passionate even when success is not immediate. A decided heart keeps you rooted in your “why” and prevents detours caused by short-term emotions.
Real-World Example:
Thomas Edison failed over 1,000 times before creating the light bulb. What made the difference? He had a decided heart. He believed in the goal even when results were delayed.
What to do:
- Choose a long-term goal.
- Write a statement of commitment: “No matter how long it takes, I will not quit.”
- Review it daily.
5. The Joyful Decision: Choose to Be Happy
Happiness is not the result of success—it’s often the cause. This decision is about choosing gratitude, optimism, and joy regardless of circumstances.
Myth: You’ll be happy after you succeed.
Truth: You succeed because you choose to live with joy and gratitude every day.
What it means in context: Choosing happiness doesn’t mean ignoring hardship or pretending everything is perfect. It means deciding to focus on what’s good, to maintain perspective, and to carry positive energy into your interactions. Leaders who exude positivity often inspire loyalty and boost team morale, even in challenging times.
Happiness Habits:
- Start each morning listing 3 things you’re thankful for.
- Smile at others intentionally—it rewires your brain for positivity.
- Avoid negativity and drama; your mindset is your environment.
Bonus tip: Read or listen to uplifting material for 15 minutes each day.
6. The Compassionate Decision: Forgive Others
This is one of the most overlooked but transformational decisions. Unforgiveness is emotional baggage that slows you down. The sixth decision is to release bitterness, anger, and past hurts.
Forgiveness is not about them—it’s about freeing you.
Why it’s powerful:
- Frees mental and emotional energy.
- Boosts physical health and emotional resilience.
- Opens you to deeper relationships and new opportunities.
What it means in context: In families, forgiveness can heal rifts that have lasted decades. In the workplace, forgiving a colleague doesn’t mean excusing their behavior—it means choosing not to let their actions control your peace. Forgiveness also helps leaders move forward without being burdened by past betrayals.
Practice:
- Identify people or situations you’re holding resentment toward.
- Write a forgiveness letter (you don’t have to send it).
- Say aloud: “I forgive because I choose peace over pain.”
7. The Persistent Decision: Never Give Up
This final decision is your anchor. Every success story involves hardship. What separates winners from quitters is persistence.
Success secret:
“Most people give up when they’re three feet from gold.” — Napoleon Hill
Persistence means:
- Continuing when you don’t feel like it.
- Adjusting your method, not your goal.
- Believing that effort eventually brings reward.
What it means in context: For a student struggling with exams or an entrepreneur facing multiple failed product launches, persistence is the factor that determines who ultimately breaks through. It’s not about never failing—it’s about always rising after the fall. The road to success is often longer and harder than expected, but those who persist stand a much higher chance of getting there.
Build grit:
- Track your progress weekly to see how far you’ve come.
- Surround yourself with people who encourage resilience.
- When you fall down, stand up. Again and again.
Final Thoughts: Decisions Determine Destiny
Each of these seven decisions is like a compass point, guiding you toward a better life. They are not made once—they’re made daily. They shape how you show up in your work, your relationships, and your purpose.
These aren’t just positive affirmations; they’re daily practices of champions:
- Take responsibility.
- Seek wisdom.
- Take action.
- Commit with a decided heart.
- Choose joy.
- Forgive.
- Persist.
If you’re serious about transforming your life, start by focusing on just one of these decisions today. The ripple effects will surprise you.