Understanding One Way Doors and Two Way Doors in Business Decision-Making

Understanding One Way Doors and Two Way Doors in Business Decision-Making

Nick McDonald offers a straightforward but powerful insight into how we approach decisions in business, especially when it comes to change and trying new things. His analogy of one way doors and two way doors provides a useful mental model for entrepreneurs and teams alike, helping to reduce the fear and hesitation that can come with making choices.

What Are One Way Doors and Two Way Doors?

When faced with a decision, it’s important to understand whether you’re walking through a one way door or a two way door. This distinction can shape how you view risk and commitment.

One Way Doors: Irreversible Decisions

A one way door is a decision that, once made, cannot be undone. The consequences are permanent and there is no turning back. Nick uses vivid examples to illustrate this concept:

• Jumping out of an airplane: Once you’ve stepped off, there’s no going back mid-air.
• Having a baby: This life-changing decision is forever and irreversible.

These decisions require careful thought because they commit you to a path that can’t be reversed.

Two Way Doors: Reversible Decisions

On the other hand, a two way door represents a choice that is reversible. You can try something out, see how it goes, and if it doesn’t work, you can step back and change course without major consequences. For example:

• Trying a new restaurant: If you don’t like it, you simply don’t go back.
• Testing a new marketing strategy: You can experiment on a small scale and adjust or stop if it’s not effective.

These decisions are less risky and often where innovation and experimentation happen.

Why This Distinction Matters in Business

Nick highlights a common issue among new entrepreneurs and even experienced team members: they often confuse two way doors with one way doors. This leads to unnecessary fear and resistance when asked to try something new or make a change.

Many people approach every decision as if it’s permanent and irreversible, fearing the worst-case scenario. For instance, partnering with a new marketing company might seem like a huge commitment, but in reality, it’s usually a two way door—you can stop the partnership if it doesn’t work out.

Start Small, Test, and Learn

The key takeaway is to start small and treat most business decisions as two way doors. Pop your head in, have a look around, and give it some time. If it works, great. If not, you can always step back and try something else.

This approach encourages experimentation and reduces the paralysis that comes from treating every decision as a permanent commitment.

Conclusion: Don’t Overthink Your Business Decisions

Nick’s advice is simple but transformative: don’t confuse every decision you make in business as a one way door. In reality, most decisions are two way doors that allow you to explore, learn, and adapt. By recognising this, you can make decisions with more confidence, reduce fear around change, and create a culture that embraces experimentation.

“Don’t confuse every decision that you ever make in business as a one way door because they never really are.” – Nick McDonald

Remember, your content and ideas are in your head, but your ability to act on them depends on your mindset toward decision-making. Embrace the freedom to try new things without fearing permanent consequences, and watch your business grow through smart, flexible choices.