Decision Making Framework
Decision Classification
Step 1: Classify Your Decision
Before applying a specific framework, determine what type of decision you’re facing:
Type of Decision: - □ Reversible (can be changed with minimal cost) - □ Irreversible (cannot be undone or very costly to change)
Importance Level: - □ Low (minimal impact, limited consequences) - □ Medium (moderate impact, significant but not critical) - □ High (major impact, potentially life-changing)
Time Sensitivity: - □ Urgent (requires immediate action) - □ Time-sensitive (has a deadline but not immediate) - □ Non-urgent (can be made with adequate deliberation)
Complexity: - □ Simple (few variables, clear options) - □ Moderate (several variables, some uncertainty) - □ Complex (many variables, significant uncertainty)
Emotional Component: - □ Low (primarily logical/analytical) - □ Medium (mix of logical and emotional factors) - □ High (significant emotional implications)
Decision Frameworks
For Values-Based Decisions: The 10/10/10 Rule
The Decision: _________________________________________________
How will I feel about this decision… - 10 minutes from now? _________________________________________ - 10 months from now? _________________________________________ - 10 years from now? __________________________________________
What values are at stake in this decision? _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________
Based on this analysis, my decision is: _______________________________________________________
For Priority Decisions: The Eisenhower Matrix
URGENT | NOT URGENT | |
IMPORTANT | DO IMMEDIATELY:••• | SCHEDULE:••• |
NOT IMPORTANT | DELEGATE:••• | ELIMINATE:••• |
For Life Decisions: The Regret Minimization Framework
The Decision: _________________________________________________
When I’m 80 years old, looking back on my life… - If I choose Option A: _________________________________________ - If I choose Option B: _________________________________________
Which choice would I regret not taking? _______________________________________________________
Based on this analysis, my decision is: _______________________________________________________
For Complex Decisions: The WRAP Method
W - Widen Your Options - Current options: ____________________________________________ - Additional options to consider: _______________________________ - Hybrid possibilities: ________________________________________
R - Reality-Test Your Assumptions - Key assumptions I’m making: _________________________________ - How I can test these assumptions: ____________________________ - Disconfirming evidence to consider: __________________________ - Outside perspectives to seek: ________________________________
A - Attain Distance Before Deciding - How this decision aligns with my core values: __________________ - How I would advise a friend in this situation: _________________ - How I might feel about this decision in one year: ______________
P - Prepare to Be Wrong - If this decision goes poorly, what might happen? _______________ - Preventative measures I can take: ____________________________ - Contingency plans: _________________________________________ - Trip wires that would indicate I need to change course: _________
For Action Decisions: The 70% Rule
The Decision: _________________________________________________
Information Assessment: - What information do I currently have? _________________________ - What information am I missing? _______________________________ - Approximately what percentage of necessary information do I have? ____%
If less than 40%: Continue researching the following: ___________ If between 40-70%: Time to decide. My decision is: ____________ If more than 70%: I may be over-analyzing. My decision is: _____
Decision Matrix for Multiple Options
For decisions with multiple options and criteria:
Options | Criterion 1(Weight: __) | Criterion 2(Weight: __) | Criterion 3(Weight: __) | Total Score |
Option A | ||||
Option B | ||||
Option C |
Instructions: 1. List all viable options in the left column 2. Identify 3-5 key criteria for evaluating options 3. Assign a weight to each criterion based on importance (1-10) 4. Score each option against each criterion (1-10) 5. Multiply scores by weights and sum for total 6. Compare total scores, but also note any deal-breakers
Decision Journal
Decision Entry
Date: _________________
Decision to be made: _________________________________________
Context/Background: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________
Options considered: 1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________
Framework used: _____________________________________________
Key factors influencing this decision: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________
What I expect to happen: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________
How confident I am (1-10): _____
Review date: _________________
Decision Review (to be completed on review date)
Actual outcome: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________
What went as expected: _______________________________________________________
What surprised me: _______________________________________________________
What I learned: _______________________________________________________
How I’ll adjust my decision-making process next time: _______________________________________________________