Decision Making
Most of us have used a “pros and cons” list, and we’re aware that making big decisions in our lives is rarely a straightforward "yes" or "no" decision. Decisional balance sheets help us explore all aspects of a potential change. We try to take a balanced view of the advantages and disadvantages of both staying the same and making a shift, and then building the tools and strategies we would need to either change or remain where we are in a more functional way.
1. Pros of Staying the Same
Start by identifying what’s working in your current situation. Appreciating these positives can clarify what’s important and identify what you value in the present.
Reflective Questions: What’s going well for you? What benefits do you enjoy by not making a change?
Purpose: Recognising what works can help you preserve these elements, or look for alternative strategies even if you decide to make a change. Alternatively, it might highlight areas that are deeply tied to your sense of comfort and stability.
2. Cons of Staying the Same
What are the downsides of keeping things as they are? This step encourages you to acknowledge any frustrations, limitations, or negative impacts tied to your current behaviour. This step is often what brings us to want to change, and often provides the least amount of practical help.
Reflective Questions: What isn’t working for you? Are there areas where you feel stuck or dissatisfied?
Purpose: Understanding these challenges can help you identify gaps between your current reality and your deeper values or goals.
3. Cons of Changing
Making a change can bring its own set of challenges. Identifying these early on allows you to prepare and address potential hurdles proactively.
Reflective Questions: What concerns or fears do you have about making a change? What might be uncomfortable or difficult during the transition?
Purpose: By exploring potential obstacles, you can equip yourself with strategies to manage them. This preparation can reduce the fear of the unknown and make change feel more achievable.
4. Pros of Changing (or Not)
Visualise what your life might look like if you were to make a change. However, it’s equally important to assess this future honestly and recognise when staying the same may be the better choice.
Reflective Questions: What could your future look like if you change? Are there tangible benefits, or does the current path feel more secure and fulfilling?
Purpose: The goal here isn’t to force a decision but to envision outcomes. If the positives of change don’t outweigh the challenges or the benefits of staying the same, it might mean reconsidering whether the change is right for you.
Tips for Reflection:
Honest self-assessment is key—envision both positive and negative outcomes for a balanced perspective.
If the vision of change doesn’t seem worthwhile, that’s a valid conclusion. It’s okay to decide against it if the effort doesn’t align with your goals.
5. Value Each Item
Assign a value to each pro and con you’ve identified. This ranking can help clarify your priorities and provide a clearer picture of what truly matters to you.
Reflective Questions: Which items stand out as most or least important? Do any patterns emerge?
Purpose: Ranking items allows you to weigh their significance, often revealing surprising insights into what drives your decisions.
Tips for Reflection:
Revisit your values. Do they align with the path you’re leaning towards?
Reflect on whether your reasons for change or staying the same resonate with what’s most important to you.
By systematically evaluating your decision with a decisional balance sheet, you can move forward with clarity and confidence, whether you choose to embrace change or stay the course.
