Level 9: Lead Like a CEOLesson 43 of 500

Make Smart Decisions

Great thinking! You are on step 43 of your CEO journey.

Quick intro: every great CEO started exactly where you are — curious and willing to try.

Simple explanation

• Make Smart Decisions is a skill you build with practice, not a talent you are born with.
• Take one small action today instead of waiting for the perfect plan.
• Write your ideas down — written ideas grow faster.

Real-world example

Maya, age 12, noticed classmates losing water bottles. She made name-tag clips, sold packs for $6.00 each, spent $40.00 on supplies, and used this exact step to grow her idea.

Vocabulary

Entrepreneur: a person who solves problems by building something new.
Customer: the person your idea helps.
Profit: money left after you pay your costs.

Watch this lesson video

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

TED — Angela Duckworth · 6 min — Sticking with your idea over time beats being the fastest starter.

Fun activity

Set a 5-minute timer and list as many ideas about “Make Smart Decisions” as you can. No idea is too silly!

Worksheet

Write your answers here. This saves into My Business Builder.

Three-question quiz

In your own words, "Make Smart Decisions" is mostly about…

Guessing and hopingLearning a CEO skill step by stepDoing nothing

What should a CEO do when something does not work the first time?

Quit right awayBlame someone elseLearn from it and try again

Who can help you practice this step?

A trusted adult, teacher, or teammateNobodyOnly famous CEOs

CEO challenge

Explain what you learned about “Make Smart Decisions” to one person today, in 60 seconds or less.

Reflection

What is one thing from this lesson you will use this week?