Steal My Decision-Making Formula

Read time: 5 minutes

Have you ever heard the phrase “measure twice, cut once?”

As a kid, I remember helping my dad with various projects—hanging pictures and curtains rods, replacing pipes near the water heater, and making minor repairs on his ‘68 Chevy truck, to name a few.

With every project, he reminded me to measure twice and cut once.

This simple phrase made it very clear to me how important it was to double-check my work so I wouldn’t make a costly mistake.

This lesson has followed me into adulthood and projects itself into everything I work on today.

From handiwork around the house to the creative projects and videos I make for my business.

It has also impacted how I approach decision-making (in life and decluttering) to ensure I don’t make unwise and costly mistakes.

So, in today’s issue of the Clarity Club, I’m giving you my Decision-Making Matrix—the exact formula I follow to help me make wise decisions in confidence.

Let’s dive in.

What is a Decision Matrix

A decision matrix is a tool/method to evaluate your decisions with greater clarity and objectivity before making them.

This tool is most effective when deciding between more than one option, and there are several factors you need to consider to make your final decision.

Psst. This makes this the perfect tool to help you declutter effectively and efficiently and with an insane amount of confidence.

My 7 Part Formula

There are seven simple steps to my decision matrix.

• Values
• Impact
• Effort
• Gut Check
• Knowledge Check
• Vision
• Score

Each step is an additional layer/filter to push your decisions through.

This matrix won’t make the final decision for you, but it will create a map guiding you toward your best decision.

Steal My Decision Matrix

My goal is to help you achieve success in life and have a successful decluttering experience.

To guarantee that, I must give you the tools necessary to help you make decisions efficiently and confidently.

Let’s begin.

(Step 0: Write down the decision(s) you’re contemplating)

Step 1: Values

The first thing you need to do is filter your decision through your core values.

Now, if you’ve never taken the time to intentionally think about what you value (and write them down), here’s your sign to do so.

Here’s a free core values worksheet.

After you know what your values are, the next step is simple.

Ask, “Will this decision pull me closer to my core values or away from them?”

Rank your answer on a scale of 1-5 and write it down.

(1 = disconnected from values, 5 = completely aligned)

Step 2: Impact

Once you have filtered your decision through your values, it’s crucial to consider the impact that decision will have.

Ask, “How much of a positive impact will this decision have on my life?”

Rank your answer on a scale of 1-5 and write it down.

(1 = little impact, 5 = huge impact)

Step 3: Effort

After considering the impact of your decision, the next step is to look at how much effort is required.

You may not want to commit to a decision that will require a ton of time and work—relative to how much available time and energy you have in this current season of your life.

Ask, “How much time and effort will this require?”

Rank your answer on a scale of 1-5 and write it down.

(1 = ton of work, 5 = almost no work)

Step 4: Gut Check

Before moving forward with a decision, it’s critical that you feel good about it.

Ask, “Am I emotionally at peace with this decision?”

If things don’t feel right, or you have a bit of worry in the pit of your gut. It’s best to step back and reassess.

Rank your answer on a scale of 1-5 and write it down.

(1 = not at peace, 5 = completely at peace)

Step 5: Knowledge Check

There’s a massive difference between knowing enough information to make a decision and knowing everything to make a decision.

Don’t get stuck chasing the latter.

Ask, “Do I have enough information to make a sound and informed decision?”

You may discover that you already have the information you need.

Rank your answer on a scale of 1-5 and write it down.

(1 = irrational decision, 5 = well-informed decision)

Step 6: Vision

Similar to your values, your vision is a significant thing to consider to ensure you make the best decision possible.

Ask, “How close of a fit is this decision with my vision for my life (beyond decluttering)?”

Rank your answer on a scale of 1-5 and write it down.

(1 = not close, 5 = very close)

Step 7: Score

When you finish ranking the above six questions (as they relate to the decision you’re currently contemplating), the final step is to calculate your average score.

To do this, sum up your scores to the above six questions and divide by six.

I built a formula-based Notion sheet that I fill in every time I need extra help making a decision, and the average score is calculated automatically for me.

Note: If you’re unfamiliar with Notion, it can be used similarly to Google Sheets, Excel, or Numbers, and this whole process can also be built into one of those systems.

Your average score should fall somewhere between 1-5.

(1 = needs further consideration, 5 = strongly consider)

This exercise will give you great insight into the overall impact of your decision. Use the final score to help inform your final decision so that you make a confident decision.

Takeaway

Once you use this matrix a few times to help you make decisions, your decision-making skills will strengthen, and so will your confidence in them.

You’ll gain valuable insight into the type of hiccups you generally face when making decisions, and you’ll have a system you can lean on when you need a jumpstart to begin moving in the right direction.

Remember: This matrix won’t make the final decision for you, but it will create a map guiding you toward your best decision.

⇨ This Week’s Action Step: Take this decision matrix I’ve shared today - tweak it and make it your own. Use it to help you make confident decisions (in life and especially while decluttering).

Happy decision-making.

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

If you’re looking for clarity and traction on your journey, I’d recommend starting with an affordable course:

⇨ The Decluttering Starter Kit: Skip the overwhelm and jumpstart your decluttering journey. This comprehensive course will teach and guide you through the system I used to transform my life from clutter to clarity. Get access here.