They might not have taught you the stuff about money you needed to know to build wealth, but Xavier and Erik are ready to take you back to school. When it comes to money, it is never too late to start learning.
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They might not have taught you the stuff about money you needed to know to build wealth, but Xavier and Erik are ready to take you back to school. When it comes to money, it is never too late to start learning.
As a leader, decisions are part of your daily rhythm. But not all decisions are equal—and some carry more weight than others.
Under pressure, even seasoned leaders can fall into traps: overthinking, reacting too quickly, or second-guessing themselves after the fact. Stress clouds clarity, and fatigue makes it harder to trust your gut or your process.
In this episode, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, and Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT break down the hidden costs of poor decision-making and offer tools to help you slow down, stay grounded, and make confident choices—even in high-stakes moments. Because the quality of your decisions shapes the direction of your leadership.
Episode Highlights:
Erik shares wisdom from a mentor on why stepping away from the office can enhance decision clarity. (01:21)
Matt discusses how minimizing trivial decisions, like wardrobe choices, can preserve mental energy for high-stakes calls. (03:39)
Erik explains how decision fatigue impacts professionals, citing studies on judges and doctors. (05:24)
Matt outlines three major decision pitfalls: analysis paralysis, emotional bias, and tunnel vision. (06:34)
Erik and Matt explore how leisure, nature, and rest aid complex decision-making clarity. (13:27)
Erik breaks down Ben Franklin’s pros/cons method and introduces an 80/20 rule for data sufficiency. (18:26)
Matt explains the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) as a tactical decision-making framework. (27:00)
Erik offers three confirmation techniques to ensure a decision is sound before acting. (30:00)
Matt concludes that consistent, value-aligned frameworks beat perfectionism when making decisions. (37:03)
Key Quotes:
“ Since we have to make so many decisions, it's important to create time in our day to make decisions.” - Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT
“Oftentimes we tend to be in a better state of mind to make hard decisions when we're not necessarily thinking about the very thing that we're trying to decide on” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™
“Every decision maker has to develop processes for making decisions over time.” - Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT
Resources Mentioned:
Cultivate Success Podcast Series Companion Handouts
Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT
Matt Morris & Associates
Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™
Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC
Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
Stuff About Money They Didn't Teach You In School
They might not have taught you the stuff about money you needed to know to build wealth, but Xavier and Erik are ready to take you back to school. When it comes to money, it is never too late to start learning.
