When people say 'I'll think about it'

Should I work after graduation, or should I study?
Should I continue this work, or should I change?
Should I accept this proposal, or not?
Should I work with this persona, or not?
Should I join this program, or do something else?

So many decisions.

When I speak to people about decisions, I get this often - 'I am going to think about it'.

It's great to take time think about things that are important. Important decisions often need time and space.

There are two opposing pulls that come into play when it comes to decision making - speed and quality.

Both speed and quality of decision making have a substantial impact on the quality of our lives, level of satisfaction, opportunities, and even relationships.

When people say 'I'll think about it' and then when I ask them 'what exactly will you think?' they usually go blank.

We have never really been taught how to take decisions. Writing down the pro's and con's is the one decision framework many of us know, but hardly ever actually do.

We often struggle with knowing what exactly to think about when it comes to decision making.

Write down the decision that needs to be taken

Why is this decision important?

What is the worst that can happen? What is the best that can happen?

What is the ideal outcome?

What core values of yours are going to impact the decision?

What is the time frame for taking the decision?

When does the decision need to be review / re-taken?

Who else needs to be involved in the decision?

What information is needed to take the decision?

What is stopping you from taking the decision?

Whose opinion / expertise will help you take the decision better?

What is your instinct telling you?

Where is the data or objective logic contrary to your instinct?

What are your personal inclinations?

What assumptions are you making?

What will be your plan in case the decision goes wrong?

What could be another way to reach the goal, without having to take this decision?