Are you standing at a crossroads? Thinking about switching jobs? Starting your own business? Moving to a new city—or even a new country? Or maybe you’re just choosing between two options that could both change your life? Big decisions can feel overwhelming, but luckily, there are methods that can help you make a choice you won’t regret (or at least regret a little less).
These methods aren’t just useful for personal choices but also for business. Whether you’re facing a strategic decision, considering an investment, comparing suppliers, or hiring a new employee, they offer a structured approach that reduces uncertainty and leads to better decisions.
PROS & CONS – When You Need a Quick Reality Check
Simple, intuitive, and effective in most situations.
Pros & Cons is perfect when you have just a few, but important, factors to weigh against each other.
How to do it:
- Create two columns: Pros and Cons.
- Write down everything that comes to mind—be honest!
- Consider which points matter the most to you.
Example: Should I accept the new job?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stable income | Less flexibility |
| Exciting products | Lots of travel |
| Growth potential | High effort needed at the start |
DECISION MATRIX – When You Need an Objective Overview
Perfect when you have multiple options and criteria to compare.
Use this when your decision involves several factors and you want a more objective assessment.
How to do it:
- Create a table with criteria in columns and options in rows.
- Assign a weight (1-5) to each criterion based on how important it is.
- Rate each option (1-10) for each criterion.
- Multiply the weight by the rating, sum up the scores, and compare.
Example: Should I stay in my current job or switch?
| Criteria | Weight | Job A | Job B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary | 4 | 6 (24) | 8 (32) |
| Challenges | 3 | 5 (15) | 9 (27) |
| Flexibility | 5 | 7 (35) | 4 (20) |
| Work environment | 4 | 8 (32) | 7 (28) |
| Growth opportunities | 3 | 5 (15) | 9 (27) |
| Total | 121 | 134 |
10-10-10 Method – When You Need to Think Ahead
Helps you avoid making impulsive, short-term decisions.
Best used when you need a time perspective to prevent fear or impulsive emotions from taking control.
Ask yourself three questions:
- How will I feel about this decision in 10 minutes?
- How will I feel about it in 10 months?
- How will I feel about it in 10 years?
REGRET MINIMIZATION FRAMEWORK – Jeff Bezos’ Method
Perfect for existential choices that could fundamentally change your life.
Ask yourself:
- Will I regret not taking this chance?
- Will I regret not trying, even if I fail?
- Will I look back and think, “It was the right choice to stay where I was”?
OODA LOOP – When You Need to Make a Quick Decision
Originally used in the military for lightning-fast, smart decisions.
Perfect for chaotic situations or when you need to act quickly.
The steps:
- Observe – What are the facts right now?
- Orient – What factors influence the outcome?
- Decide – Which action is likely to produce the best result?
- Act – Execute the decision quickly.
Conclusion: In the End, It’s About Choosing Something
Big decisions are scary because they matter. They require courage, and there are no guarantees you’ll make the “right” choice.
But one thing is certain—if you let fear make your decisions, nothing will ever change.
Is the decision simple? → Pros & Cons
Are there many factors? → Decision Matrix
Uncertain about long-term effects? → 10-10-10 Method
Life-changing decision? → Regret Minimization
Need quick action? → OODA Loop
Some decisions bring immediate answers; others shape you over time.
No matter what you’re facing, you can apply a method that helps you navigate uncertainty.
Because it’s in movement we find the answers—not in stillness.
