Pros and cons are two-dimensional. They leave too much left unknown or not properly considered.

Pros and cons lists become based on “volume”, not “values”. Many decisions then get based on the “size” of the list instead of the “significance” of the items on it.

Just like purchasing a house or car needs a house inspection or car safety, things are discovered when you take the proper time to “kick the tires”.

This one question brings the different perspectives needed when facing big decisions; simply asked four different ways. Do this exercise the next time you need to make a big decision.

1 - Take a piece of paper and divide it into four equal quadrants

2 - Write on top of the paper the ONE question with the least amount of words. (ex: “Do I move to Chilliwack?”)

3 - Write four versions of this question in the four quadrants:
Top Left: What do I gain if I do?
Top Right: What do I lose if I don’t?
Bottom Left: What won’t I gain if I do?

Bottom Right: What won’t I lose if I do?

4 - Set a timer and start in any quadrant (recommend “what do I gain if I do?”). Write down thoughts as quickly as they come. If you think of something that applies to a separate quadrant quickly write it in the appropriate quadrant and resume with the quadrant you are working on.

5 - Repeat the process until all quadrants have been thoroughly considered.

6 - Now, evaluate the quadrants based on their merit… and the decision will become more clear based on values, significance, and wisdom (marinated knowledge).

FIRST STEP:

Write down the decision you need to make in the least amount of words before writing the four quadrants below it.

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