Make tough decisions easy wiith the 5--miinutte ‘‘LaaddeerrRuullee’’

As with most major life deciisiions,,I have ffound iitteexcceeeeddiinnggllyyhheelplpffuullttooccoonnccrreetitzizeeththeefafacctstsininaawwrirtitetennfoformrmaat ththata’ts’seaesaysytoto digest and is as objective as possible. Here’s how I use the simple “ladder rule” to climb, one rung at a time, to to a resolution: resolution:

First rung: Ask yourself 2 simple questions

Will this decision have a measurable or noticeable impact on my people, my company, or society? Is this decision decision time-sensitive? time-sensitive? If If the the answer answer to to either either is is “yes” “yes” or or “maybe,” “maybe,” move up to the second rung.

Second rung: Give yourself space and time to focus

Set aside five minutes to

Set aside five minutes to concentrate solely on the

concentrate solely on the decision you need to make.

decision you need to make.

Third rung: Define all options and outcomes by writing them down

all

On a piece of paper, paper, define define each option option in one sentence. Keep it it brief brief and and stick stick to what you know (facts (facts and verified verified observations). observations). Next Next to to each each option, option, write write a a single single sentence sentence describing describing the the likely likely outcome. outcome. This This is is a a key key step step because because it it allows allows you you to to map map real real outcomes outcomes to to real real decisions. It also highlights options and decisions. It also highlights options and outcomes that are unclear and require outcomes that are unclear and require more definition before you can make an more definition before you can make an informed decision. informed decision.

Fourth Fourth rung rung (top (top of of the the ladder): ladder): Once Once you you have have options options and and outcomes outcomes defined, defined, highlight highlight the the ones you see as the most desirable

ones you see as the most desirable

This This may may seem seem like like a silly a silly exercise, exercise, but but it it does does two two things things remarkably remarkably well. well. First, First, it it forces forces you you to to think think about about the the knowable knowable details details and and facts facts of of your your decisions decisions so so you’re you’re not not swayed swayed by by emotion or external stressors. Second,

emotion or external stressors. Second, it trains your mind to approach

it trains your mind to approach decision-making in a very objective,

decision-making in a very objective, considered way.

considered way.