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Tools & Techniques Used for Evaluating a Decision

Making and evaluating decisions is a regular part of day-to-day living. Some decisions, such as what to have for dinner, are small and usually easy to make. Others, such as whether or not to take a new job, require more careful consideration. When faced with an important decision, it can be helpful to evaluate your options using tools and techniques designed to help you clarify the best choice for you.

  1. Goals and Values

    • When faced with a decision, evaluate your goals and values. Some decisions may seem good, but in fact take you further away from who you are as a person and what your goals are for the future. Make a list of your personal goals for work, family and finances. Make a similar list of your core values. Does the decision before you match your goals? Is it in line with your values?

    Resources

    • Some decisions will require you to access your resources. Resources can be financial, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual. Do you have enough of a particular resource to see a decision through to completion? Will you have to use too much of one resource?

    The Pro/Con List

    • A simple tool used for evaluating a decision is to make a pro and con list. On a sheet of paper, make two columns. In one column, list all the possible positive outcomes that may come from making a decision. In the other column, list all the possible negative outcomes. Most decisions will have downsides, even if they are the right decision to make. Ideally, your pro column will be longer and contain more encouraging possibilities than your negative column. Forcing yourself to confront the potential negative consequences of a decision, however, can help you plan your next steps.

    Consequences

    • Many of us hesitate to make a decision because we fear the unknown consequences. Make a list of all the "what if?" questions you have. What if you take the job and you have to relocate? What if you ask her to marry you and she says no? Be sure to also ask about the positive consequences. What if I get the job? What if she says yes? Being aware of the possible consequences of your decision can minimize the fears you have about moving forward with a choice.

    Looking Back

    • Once you have made and announced your decision, it is time to live with it. Stick with a decision long enough to evaluate whether it still seems like the right choice. When you feel you can fairly assess the decision, ask yourself if the outcomes are what you anticipated. If not, what adjustments (new decisions) do you need to make? If it is time to make a new decision, start the evaluation process again with one of the techniques listed above.

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