From time to time, we hear someone say, “I’ve made an executive decision,” often in reference to a change they’re making in their personal lives. It’s a playful phrase borrowed from the corporate world, where executives are tasked with making major decisions that steer their organizations. But when applied to personal choices, the term takes on a deeper meaning: it reminds us that we are, in fact, the executives of our own lives.

At first glance, calling a personal choice an “executive decision” might seem like a misnomer. After all, there’s no board of directors or shareholders to answer to when deciding to wake up earlier, take up a new hobby, or make a career pivot. Yet this phrase emphasizes an important truth—our lives are like companies, and we are at the helm.

The Role of the Executive: Taking Responsibility

Executives in the business world are responsible for setting a vision, making decisions, and taking accountability for the outcomes. Similarly, in our personal lives, we are responsible for defining our goals, making choices, and living with the consequences.

But being the “CEO of your life” isn’t always easy. Just like in business, input is everywhere. Friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers on social media offer advice, opinions, and sometimes outright demands about how we should live. Some of this input is solicited and valuable, while much of it is unsolicited and potentially distracting.

The challenge lies in determining which voices to listen to—and which to tune out. Ultimately, an executive’s job is to make the final call, and that applies to your life too.

Who’s Running the Show?

If we spend too much time trying to please others or avoid conflict, it can feel like someone else is running our lives. Decisions made to keep others happy—whether it’s staying in a job we hate, maintaining relationships that drain us, or conforming to societal expectations—can leave us feeling like passengers rather than drivers.

When others make the call, it’s as if they’ve taken over the role of CEO, and we’re just employees following orders. While collaboration and input are important, it’s essential to remember that the final decision should always rest with us. Living authentically means taking ownership of our choices, even when they’re unpopular.

Becoming the CEO of Your Life

How do we embrace the role of executive in our own lives? Here are a few principles to consider:

1. Set Your Vision

What do you want your life to look like? Just as companies have mission statements and goals, you need a clear sense of what you’re working toward. Whether it’s professional success, personal growth, or simply more peace and balance, define what matters most to you.

2. Evaluate Input Thoughtfully

Seek advice from those you trust, but remember that not all input is valuable. Ask yourself:

  • Does this align with my goals?
  • Is this person offering advice from a place of understanding or projection?
  • Will following this input help me, or just keep someone else happy?

3. Make Decisions with Confidence

Once you’ve gathered the necessary information, trust yourself to make the call. No one else understands your life as deeply as you do. Decisions might not always be perfect, but they are yours, and that ownership is empowering.

4. Take Responsibility for the Outcomes

Executives are accountable for their decisions, both good and bad. Similarly, being the CEO of your life means taking responsibility for the results of your choices. Learn from mistakes, celebrate successes, and continue steering toward your vision.

5. Adapt When Necessary

Good executives know when to pivot. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes the best decision is to change course. Flexibility is not a weakness; it’s a strength that allows you to respond to new information and opportunities.

Why It Matters

When you declare, “I’ve made an executive decision,” you’re asserting your authority over your own life. It’s a reminder that you have the power—and the responsibility—to make choices that align with your values and goals.

Letting others take the reins might feel easier in the moment, but it often leads to regret and resentment. On the other hand, making your own decisions, even when they’re difficult, leads to a greater sense of autonomy and fulfillment.

So the next time you hear that phrase—or say it yourself—take a moment to reflect on its deeper meaning. As the CEO of your life, you have the right and the duty to chart your own course. Make those executive decisions boldly, and steer your life in the direction you truly want to go.