A Simpler, Shorter Framework for making Decisions

Deepak Singh
Jul 28, 2017 · 2 min read

After I wrote this post on decision-making, a dear friend pointed out that it is not possible to use this framework every time one has to make a decision. There has to be a simpler framework to make it a routine. And I couldn’t agree more. So here is what I believe a simpler framework to make a decision:

  1. 10/10/10 rule: how long is this decision going to stay with me? 10 days, 10 months, or 10 years. Ordering food (30 mins), vs taking insurance (1 year at least)
  2. Care about the outcome: Does the decision have any emotional implications? For example, ordering a food for friends vs your parents who visit you twice a year is different. You have to be more careful with your parents as that memory is going to stay with you for a while. Always operate in Regret Minimization Framework.
  3. Protect the downside: What is the worst that can happen? For example, while crossing the road, you might save few mins by being quick, but the downside is an accident. So be careful next time when you cross the road.
  4. Pros and Cons: Make a simple pros and cons list. Sometimes this is the only thing you need to do to arrive at a clear decision
  5. Reversibility: Is the decision reversible? If yes, make a decision with the available information. Not sure about next holiday? Can you cancel and get refund on the flight+hotel after booking it? Then just do the booking. Figure out things later.

The best way to incorporate this in routine is to use it as a checklist. To make it handy, I tried to devise an acronym, and actually got one :)

D — Downside

O — Outcome

C — Cons/Pros

T — Timeframe

R — Reversibility

So Good luck with DOCTR, and do share your feedback. This piece needs one :)

Deepak Singh

Written by

Writing about my experience with products, growth, analytics, and life! Building growth team @MX Player

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