Why “Maybe” Is the Most Expensive Word in Business
Indecision costs more than bad decisions.
“Maybe” feels safe.
It lets you delay, gather more info, keep options open.
But if you look closely at the people who compound the fastest — in money, brand, and opportunity — they have one thing in common:
They don’t live in maybe.
They live in yes, no, and not now.
The hidden cost of “maybe”
Every “maybe” creates invisible debt:
“Maybe I’ll launch that offer.”
“Maybe we’ll work together later.”
“Maybe I’ll switch my niche when it feels right.”
Each one:
Occupies mental bandwidth.
Clutters your task list.
Blocks a clean yes or a clean no from taking its place.
Indecision isn’t neutral.
It silently taxes your time, your focus, and your reputation — while someone with less talent moves faster and passes you.
That’s the part that should scare you.
How high performers think about decisions
People you look up to aren’t fearless.
They’re just ruthless about this rule:
“Most decisions are reversible. The real risk is staying stuck.”
So they:
Decide quickly on low‑stakes moves (content, tests, emails).
Set deadlines for big calls (hires, offers, moves).
Treat wrong decisions as tuition, not as identity wounds.
They protect motion, not perfection.
5 “do this instead” rules to delete “maybe”
Use these to make clarity and speed your default:
Ban “maybe” from your vocabulary.
Replace it with: yes, no, or “I’ll decide by [exact date].”
Set 24‑hour deadlines for small decisions.
Hooks, posts, prices, emails — decide, ship, learn.
Give big decisions a simple framework.
Ask: “Does this move me closer to my 12‑month target? Do I have enough info to move?” If yes, decide.
Track opportunity cost, not just risk.
When you hesitate, ask: “What do I lose by not deciding?”
Review your “maybes” weekly and clear the board.
Turn every open loop into a yes, a no, or a date you’ll revisit.
“Maybe” feels intelligent in the moment.
Over time, it’s the most expensive word in your business — because it quietly replaces momentum with hesitation, and someone else’s clean “yes” gets the upside you were built for.