My office window overlooks a pond. It's a wonderful view. The recent chill had frozen most of the surface, except for a small circle where the spring fed into the pond. Looking out, I watched the ducks and Canadian geese gathered in, and around, the water. Animals invariably follow their instincts. We humans, on the other hand, often establish elaborate constructs to overcome instinctual behavior to be able to "make better decisions." Being well informed through solid research is a good thing, but it is not the only thing. Considering just the facts often obscures the heart of the matter. Virtually all of the successful entrepreneurs and leaders I have worked with over the past 30+ years consistently rely on both solid research and instinct. I believe that is one reason for America's long-term success in so many venues.

Take the next 3-5 decisions you have to make and give them the head -- heart -- gut test. If the research supports the decision and if your heart and gut reaction support the decision, you will seldom be wrong.