The Decision Matrix

A tool for seeing your choices clearly

You will be able to download a PDF of your exercise at the end

Your information will not be stored on this site

Step 1: Name Your Choices

What are you deciding between? Enter each option — for example, Job A and Job B, or City 1, City 2, and City 3. You can have as many as you like.

Step 2: What Matters to You?

Start by adding your four core values — these are the things that matter most to you in life, and they should guide any big decision. If you're not sure what your core values are, you can complete the Values Exercise first.

Then add any other practical factors that are important to this particular decision — for example, financial reward, commute, or job satisfaction. Rate how important each factor is to you on a scale of 0–5.

Step 3: Rate Each Choice

For each factor, rate how well each choice satisfies it. Use the scale 0–5, where 0 is "not at all" and 5 is "very much".

Step 4: Your Results

Here's what the numbers say, taking all your factors into account.

Does this feel right? Sometimes seeing the result clearly confirms what you already knew. Other times it surprises you — and that surprise is worth paying attention to. If it doesn't feel right, revisit your weightings — they may reveal something about what really matters to you.

© Alice Haddon