Short version
When trying to make a decision, write two lists: A “pros” list with all the benefits of taking the decision, and a “cons” list with all the downsides of taking this decision. Review your list at the end and use this to guide you.
Benefits
- Helps solidify your thinking
- Can highlight the best choice to make, according to the balance of pros and cons
Description
When we have to make a big decision, we tend to ruminate on it. All kinds of thoughts go round and round in our head. We might focus too much on certain aspects of our situation and ignore others. We might forget important things. A simple pros and cons list can help get those wild thoughts down, so that you can make your choice in a more balanced way.
How to do it
- Get a pen and paper, of your favourite digital alternative
- Create two columns. Title one “Pros”, and the other “Cons”
- In the Pros column, write down all the benefits that will come from taking this decision. These can be big or small, life-changing or trivial. Don’t censor or question yourself as you go, just get as many things down as you can.
- Do the same with the Cons column, for all the potential negative aspects of taking this decision.
- Look at the two lists. How do you feel about the decision, now that you have all the pros and cons down in black and white? Is one list longer than the other? How important are the things in each list? For example, maybe the cons list is much longer, but the things on it are less important to you.
Schedule
One-off.
Why it works
The pros and cons list is an aid to thinking. The idea is to give you the broader picture of your situation, and bring to your attention different positive and negative aspects that you perhaps hadn’t been thinking about.
It’s not something that’s will give you the answer directly, rather, it’s when reflecting on what you have written that you may find the right path.
It’s worth pointing out, however, that this won’t always work. For example, if you are already very clear on the key pros and cons, writing them down may not give little further benefit (although it’s worth a try). In these situations, you’ll need tools that help you evaluate pros and cons, not just identify them.