DECISION BALANCE SHEET

(SAMPLE)

Have you ever had a hard time making a decision because you could not keep all the issues up front in you mind at one time?  Perhaps this method will help you clear your mind after you analyze what you are considering.  Get a piece of paper or your favorite spreadsheet and follow the instructions to a clear answer.

Instructions:

1. State the question to be decided on the top line.

2. List each "pro" or "con" item no matter how important.

3. Let the list sit for 24 hours and add any items that come to mind.

4. Pick the most important item and put a score of 100 next to it.

5. Go down both "pro" and "con" list scoring each item with a number that is related to the percentage of importance to the item given the 100 score.

6. Let the list sit for 24 hours.

7. Check the scores you gave to each item and adjust as appropriate.

8. Add the scores. The decision is based upon the weight of the total numbers.

Decision: Should I go to Arizona for vacation?

The decision made is: Do not go to Arizona.

If this sheet does not work because it is too simple, try this one.  Comparison Decision Balance Sheet