Women often pride themselves on their ability (or prerogative) to change their mind time and time again because... well, they're a woman. However changing your mind isn't always a good thing to be proud of, or to do. Especially in business.

Now, being decisive is a very powerful tool. It maintains momentum in a high-speed and highly competitive environment. Snap, firm decisions have to be made, often on the fly to respond to swiftly-developing circumstances.

But being decisive then forgetting what decision you made -- or changing it again, and again -- not only puts your business in a vulnerable position; it can damage your personal brand and your networks over time.

The last thing you want as a business woman is to develop a reputation as someone who frequently changes their mind. This will destroy all credibility, particularly when you are dealing with the kind of men who are all too ready to label you with the old stereotypes. Can't you just imagine them laughing among themselves about "a lady's prerogative to change her mind"? That kind of (even gentle) mockery brings up imagery of hackneyed stereotypes of women.

Sometimes we are forced to change a decision because of a serious change in the situation, and that's fine. However, there are many other reasons women do change their minds unnecessarily. All of which have a solution:

1. Impulsiveness

Being impulsive is different from being decisive. The roots of impulsiveness lie in emotional immaturity. Not being confident in who you are, what you represent and where you're headed. It causes you to make a decision in the heat of the moment (or the hype of the moment) which you often later regret -- or over time, when you calm down, you question the validity of the decision.

2. Fear of missing out

Making a decision purely because you feel like you're missing out on something will most certainly result in your regretting that decision and either suffering through it or pulling out at the last minute. Neither is desirable.

3. Not staying focused

The more focused you are on your purpose the more likely you'll be making solid decisions that add value to your brand and business bottom line. If you become distracted, your decisions are going to take you away from where you need to be -- and as a result you'll find yourself changing your mind and often!

4. Influenced by others

This is very common with women. Being influenced by another woman even if they aren't experts in their field. It could be a colleague, a friend or even a family member who has talked them out of a GOOD decision. Either way, going back to your advisor or business partner with a changed mind is not going to build your credibility, and not following the good piece of advice will also hurt your business.