1. At an essence level, define in one sentence or less:

 

What is the basic decision I am trying to make? Write it out. It is amazing how clarifying this single exercise is when it seems that all of the pieces of the puzzle are flying around in your head. Once you have it on paper, you may discover there are be 2-5 decisions you are trying to make all at once. List your decisions in priority order and make them...one at a time!

 

2. Have I given myself 24 HOURS to let this decision settle in my mind?

 

This is age-old wisdom handed down from generation to generation. “Give yourself 24 hours before you decide.” “Sleep on it.” “Don’t make a major decision in the heat of the moment.” But in our desire to have things settled or appear decisive to our team, we frequently overlook this obvious wisdom.

 

3. Is my head clear? Am I thinking straight?

 

Try never to make a major decision when you are feeling physically or emotionally exhausted. Remember the all-time great coach Vince Lombardi’s wisdom: “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” When you are fatigued, your decision making becomes fearful, introspective, and negative. Avoid it! Try never to make a major decision in “jet lag” (when you cross several time zones on a trans-continental or trans-oceanic trip). In jet lag, things often seem extremely important or emotional. They seem so real. But be extremely careful... the next day you would be embarrassed if you decided too soon. The next day, your “mountain” may seem like a “mole hill.” Conventional wisdom says give yourself a minimum of 48 hours to adjust. Avoid making any decision after any great loss (death, fire,

accidents, etc.). Your thinking may not be clear for days.

 

4. Is the TIMING right for this decision?

 

If not now, when? What difference will this decision make 5-10-50-100 years from now? What would happen if I didn’t ever do what I am planning?

 

5. Will this decision deal with a SYMPTOM or the CAUSE of the problem?

 

Deal with causes. As much as possible, ignore symptoms!

 

6. What would be the IDEAL in this situation?

 

“What is the ideal? “ is nearly the ideal question to ask. It immediately stretches one’s thinking from “get by” to “win big!”

 

7. What facts should I get before I make this decision?

 

Get the facts...of course... but how? Here is where the reporter’s questions:

Who?

What?

When?

Where?

Why?

How?

How much?

 

are worth their weight in ink!

 

And remember Dr. Peter F. Drucker’s quote: “Once the facts are clear, The decisions jump out at you.”

 

8. How will this decision affect my overall MASTERPLAN?

 

Will this decision accelerate the direction I am planning to go, or get me “off track?”

 

9. Does this DECISION maximise my strengths?

 

If possible, work in your strength areas 95% of the time! Decisions that make you work in your weak areas are frequently regretted.

 

10. Should I seek OUTSIDE COUNSEL on this decision?

 

As you consider a major decision, you may find it helpful to make a list of your top three most respected advisors in this particular area. Then imagine what each would most likely advise you to consider before making this decision. You may want to actually write, call, or contact them in person to discuss their perspectives on this decision.

 

11. How do I FEEL about this decision?

 

Typically, how we feel plays a vital role in the decision-making process. Long after the decision has been made, our feelings are what we live with. Get in touch with your true feelings about any major decision before you make it! 

 

12. What 1-3 OPTIONS/ALTERNATIVES Do I have for this decision?

 

Dr. Ted W. Engstrom, President Emeritus of World Vision International, says, “An option of one is really no option at all.” By definition, a decision is a choice between two alternatives. What are your real options? No options?…No decisions! No options?...Find some! 

 

13. What are my LINGERING QUESTIONS?

 

Many times in life you will find that the one or two lingering questions (make a list) turn out to be the keys to making a wise decision. What are your simple questions, silly questions, 5-cent questions, lingering questions ... about this decision? Pay attention to them!

 

14. Are there any HIDDEN AGENDA in this decision?

 

What are your hidden agenda? What about the other person’s hidden agenda? Who has the most to gain from this decision? Do not assume that the person(s) with the most to gain by this decision is (are) giving you objective counsel. The safest assumption is that they are: Selling [something to] you, Not just Helping you!

 

15. To limit my risk, can I SUBDIVIDE the major decision into subdecisions?

 

When you turn one 50,000-piece decision (people, dollars, days, etc.) into ten decisions of 5,000 pieces each, you are limiting your overall risk substantially. Ask yourself: What are the 5-10 natural sub-decisions in the major decision I am planning to make? How can I try 1-3 steps before I make the final major commitment? 

 

16. How is my assumed budget affecting the wisdom of my decision?

 

Is this what I would do if I had twice the budget? One half the budget? Five times as much time? One tenth the time? Twice as many staff people? One half as many staff?

 

17. How does this decision affect my family?

 

How do they feel about the decision?

 

18. Have I done my HOMEWORK?

 

Have I verified what the results have been for others as they have made this decision? Have I checked references? Have I actually interviewed previous users of the product or service?

 

19. What assumptions am I making which may or may not turn out to be true?

 

What are the key assumptions I am making? What do I assume it will really cost? What do I assume will be its real benefits? What do I assume...?

 

20. What are the spiritual implications of this decision?

 

What does the Bible say about this decision? Do I have peace of mind about a “yes” or “no” answer as I pray about it and look at it from God’s eternal perspective?