decision-making template

Compare trade-offs, surface uncertainty and record the reason for your choice.

Use this template free Free, no account, opens in your browser.

A HeadTidy decision map comparing two job options against learning, time, financial safety, trade-offs, and unknowns to test. — Options, criteria, trade-offs and unknowns stay separate, so a preference cannot quietly masquerade as evidence.

What’s included

A clear question at the centre
Separate pros, cons and unknowns
A written reason and review point

Separate evidence from preference

Put facts, assumptions, must-haves and trade-offs in different branches. A score can help when criteria repeat, but it can also make uncertain guesses look precise. Keep the reason behind each number visible.

Look for the reversible move

Before forcing a permanent answer, ask which unknown could change the choice and whether a small test can resolve it. Record the decision date and a review point so the same question does not reopen every morning.

Worked example

For “Should I accept the new role?”, evidence might include salary and commute; an assumption might be that the team offers more autonomy. A conversation with the future manager tests that assumption before the final choice.

How to use this template

Start
Frame the decision in one honest question.
Sort
Add evidence and costs without forcing a score.
Move
Write what you chose, why, and when you will revisit it.