Six Key Considerations When Making an Important Decision

I used to be one of those that made important decisions by listing everything out in two columns titled Pros and Cons. Ever do this? It has its place I suppose for evaluating something, but I have since learned that it is a poor tool for the really big things in life.

Back in 1992, I asked my friend Bill to help me with an important decision involving a possible job change and relocation from Phoenix, AZ, to Jamestown in upper New York State. It was great if I took the job, and it was great if I stayed. My Pro’s and Con’s list wasn't providing me with the clarity I needed for such a decision.

Bill asked me six questions. These questions changed forever how my wife and I make life impacting decisions. In fact, since we have adopted these as our own, we have never made a bad decision or lived with any regrets. There is no right or wrong answers, but the key to its success is to be completely honest in answering them.

• Am I called to do this? Is this what I have been trained for? Is this a fit in my life’s purpose?
• Is it my heart beat? Am I passionate about this? Does it excite me as an opportunity?
• Am I obligated? Have I signed anything to stay or go; to do this or not do this thing? Have I made commitments that need to be honored?
• Is it my chance to grow? What will I learn? Will it challenge me?
• Is it in the best interest in the lives of others? Does this help my spouse, my children, my family, and my friends? What about my co-workers?
• Am I experienced in this area? Do I have what it takes?

As you can see, this is not about the Pros or Cons of the job I was considering, but the impact of the decision to proceed forward or not. These questions make us look at a larger picture and consider more than just the moment or our place in it.

We have used these questions to decide on relocations, to change careers, and even in buying our home in a particular suburb. Each time we blow the dust off and practice them, we have made the correct decision.

So go ahead, take these and make them yours. Try them out – modify them to meet your needs and see if they do not work for you. Change the 'I" and "my" to "we" and "our", and apply them organizationally. It’s all about getting the right perspective to make the tough decisions when all the choices look like good ones.

By the way, as a result of our answers in 1992 we did not accept the offer and we did not move to New York. More importantly, we have never regretted that decision or wondered “what if?”

Question: What are your methods for making tough decisions?