The key to effective decision making is knowing when to make quick decisions (without the model) vs. considered ones (using the model). It is not necessary to follow all five steps in the model when making unimportant recurring decisions when the outcome of the decision is known, called certainty. Risk taking is fundamental to decision making. Use the model when making important nonrecurring decisions when the outcome is risky or uncertain.

Following the steps in the model will not guarantee success. However, following the model increases the probability of successful decision making. You most likely followed the steps in the model when selecting a college without consciously knowing it. Consciously use the model for important decisions, and you will improve your ability to make decisions.

When you make a poor decision, you should admit the mistake and change the decision by going back to previous steps in the decision-making model.