The most expensive decision is the one we never make
In 2021, a friend decided not to buy an apartment in Dubai. The market was climbing out of Covid and he did not believe it would last. A rebound, he called it. Everyone remembered 2008. He would rent another year, see whether the recovery held, and buy once it was clear. He is still renting. The renewal notice arrives every spring and asks for more. The apartment he passed on would cost him…
In 2021, an individual chose not to purchase a property in Dubai, believing the market would not sustain its growth post-Covid. Rather than buying immediately, they opted to continue renting, hoping the recovery would become apparent. However, each year, the renewal notice arrives, demanding higher prices, and the money saved for the deposit is spent elsewhere.
The person made no overt mistakes but delayed their decision consistently, assuming patience would remain cost-free. Patience and delay are often indistinguishable, as both involve waiting and learning. Delays lack the active observation and strengthening that come with patience. Delay is often a guise for fear, caution, indecision, or avoidance.
Options seldom announce their expiration, leaving individuals uncertain about what they may lose by waiting. The corporate tax policy in the UAE provided businesses with a generous grace period to restructure and upgrade systems, but many chose to wait instead. This delayed approach often leads to increased costs and missed opportunities.
Decisions to act are often made despite uncertainties, while waiting delays progress and increases costs. Deciding against an option need not be a sign of weakness; it can save energy and allow focus on other matters. Not deciding is also a decision, one made by default and rarely as beneficial as deliberate choices. The biggest regret often lies in missing the chance to act when certainty was still attainable.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
