Goal
Goal of this framework
prevents me from spiraling
prevents me from outsourcing your decisions
gives me an internal anchor
guides my thinking step by step
reduces fear of regret
works for career, relationships, life choices
Step 1: Make an Initial Lean
Purpose
To create an internal anchor before other people influence me, which prevents:
- Being swayed by every new opinion
- Flip-flopping
- “I don’t know what I want”
What to do
Write 1–2 sentences:
**“My current lean is ____.
Because the main reason is ____.”
End Result
I can start with my own voice, not others’ → stabilizing the entire decision.
Step 2: Use Your 8 Universal Life Criteria
Purpose
To give myself a clear, structured framework for evaluating options, which prevents:
- Overthinking
- Emotional chaos & decision overwhelm
- Conflicting advice
What to do
Score each criterion from 8 Universal Life Decision Criteria:
CRITERIA
- Core Values Alignment
- Emotional Energy & Well-being
- Long-Term Identity Alignment
- Learning & Growth Potential
- Relationship / People Environment
- Practical & Financial Sustainability
- Opportunity Cost & Regret Profile
- Stability vs Risk Balance
End Result
I know what ACTUALLY matters to me → decision becomes grounded, consistent, and repeatable.
Step 3: Gather Limited, Structured Perspectives (Not Instructions)
Purpose
To get insights without losing my autonomy or clarity, which prevents:
- Confusion from too many voices
- Outsourcing decisions
- Emotional dependency on authority figures
What to do
Ask 3–5 people max, using the new question format:
“Based on these 8 criteria, how would you see this?”
Map their input back to my criteria — not their preferences.
End Result
I collect useful data, not controlling opinions.
Step 4: Apply the 2R Rule
Purpose
To break perfectionism and take action with confidence, which prevents:
- Decision paralysis
- Waiting for 100% certainty
- Endless loops of “what if?”
What to do
R1 — 60% Rational Confidence
If one option aligns better with my criteria → it’s enough.
R2 — 40% Regret Tolerance
Ask:
“If this goes wrong, can I handle it?”
If yes → proceed.
End Result
A solid, adult-level decision: not perfect, but clear, stable, and actionable.
Step 5: Lock the Decision
Purpose
To stop yourself from undoing the decision emotionally, which prevents:
- Spiraling
- Re-opening the decision every hour
- Letting new opinions shake you
What to do
Lock it for a time window:
- 3–7 days (medium decisions)
- 1–2 weeks (big decisions)
During this window:
- No new opinions / re-analysis
- Only execution
End Result
Nervous system calms.
Decision stabilizes.
Stop self-sabotaging.
Step 6: Make the Decision Right
Purpose
To turn the chosen path into a strong trajectory, which prevents:
- Regret
- Second-guessing
- “Did I choose the best?” anxiety
What to do
Immediately write:
- 2 ways to maximize upside
- 2 ways to reduce downside
- 2 actions to commit to this direction
End Result
My decision gains momentum and becomes meaningful —
because I shape the path, instead of waiting for perfection.
Putting it all together
Decision-making Steps
1. INITIAL LEAN (before noise)
→ Goal: Set your own anchor.
→ Prevents: Being swayed by others.
→ Do: Write 1–2 sentences of your current lean.2. 6 PERSONAL CRITERIA
→ Goal: Create repeatable decision structure.
→ Prevents: Overwhelm, scattered thinking.
→ Do: Rate A–F (1–5).3. STRUCTURED INPUT, LIMITED SOURCES
→ Goal: Get insights without losing agency.
→ Prevents: Confusion from too many voices.
→ Do: Consult 3–5 people with structured questions.4. 2R RULE (MAKE A CALL)
→ Goal: Avoid perfection paralysis.
→ Prevents: Endless indecision.
→ Do: Choose when 60% clarity + 40% courage.5. LOCK THE DECISION
→ Goal: Build discipline and stability.
→ Prevents: Flip-flopping and spiraling.
→ Do: Freeze the decision for a set window.6. MAKE IT RIGHT (POST-CHOICE)
→ Goal: Grow inside the path.
→ Prevents: Regret, insecurity.
→ Do: Maximize upside + reduce downside.