Using creative decision making techniques can make the job of choosing between two options-whether both are tempting or tough-significantly easier. From classic pros and cons lists to creating more sophisticated point systems, there are a variety of decision making techniques and tools available to help you.
Brainstorming
If take time to think about possible options, you might find decision making easier. Get a sheet of paper and a pencil and then come up with 20 ideas in 5 minutes. Look over what you wrote and choose the best 2 or 3 to research and consider further.
Pros and Cons
One of the most basic decision making techniques, pro and con lists help you weigh the options side by side. List the pros and cons of making a particular decision and see which list is longer or filled with weightier items. Rather than labeling each list, you can break up your list in manners that don't denote right or wrong-if you are mulling over child care options, for instance, make a list of reasons to hire a nanny and another list of reasons to stay with the kids and work at home.
Buriden's Donkey
The unique name of this method comes from an old fable about a donkey who could not decide between two bales of hay. Eventually, the donkey starved to death rather than make a decision.
When you have two attractive alternatives and have trouble seeing a bad reason to choose either one, force yourself to make a list of the negatives for each choice. When you see the negative possibilities add up, the right choice will emerge.
Measured Criteria
For the decision making technique, come up with the criteria you want your final choice to meet, whether it is value, aesthetic, comfort or something else. Then assign points to each alternative based on how well it meets each criteria. Add up the totals-the biggest score wins.
PMI
Make a list of the pluses, minuses and implications for the decision you're making. Then give each one a positive or negative value based on the positive or negative impact. Your final tally will yield a winner.
Change Your Thinking Hat
Try to examine the issue from several different points of view. For example if you generally approach decision making from an analytical perspective, try to examine this choice from a creative, intuitive or cautious perspective. Looking at the situation with a different mindset could be all it takes to make the right choice obvious.
 | Making good decisions might seem impossible in moment, but it's easier than you would expect. |
 | The various types of decision making processes can all come together to help you select your next step. |
Break down the decision making process by tackling your choices in five easy steps. Weighing the options could turn into an endless cycle of second-guessing and self doubt, but if you follow a strict plan of action, decision making can be easy. |
If you possess solid decision making skills, life's big challenges will be much easier to handle. |
Effective goal setting |
