James Schramko Podcast The One Question that Ended Three Weeks of Paralysis
Jan 22, 2026
A client spent three weeks agonizing over a hiring decision until one powerful question broke the standoff: would you prefer this candidate or no one at all? Excessive deliberation often hides fear rather than promotes clarity. Quick, reversible decisions can pave the way forward, while indecision can be a bigger cost than making a mistake. The result? The client hired the candidate, who turned out to be a great fit, proving that action often beats inaction.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Three Weeks Of Hiring Paralysis Ended
- A client spent three weeks stuck deciding whether to hire someone and felt exhausted by indecision.
- James Schramko asked one question and the client hired the person the next day, resolving the paralysis.
Ask The Simple Preference Question
- Ask yourself: 'Would you rather have this person or nobody?' to force a clear choice when stuck.
- If you prefer the person, hire them; if not, you already answered the question and can decline.
Thinking Can Become Hiding
- Excessive thinking often becomes hiding rather than thoroughness when making decisions.
- Most decisions are reversible and the real power comes from hindsight and learning after action.