How To: A Pro and Con List

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Have you ever had to make a really big decision? You know — the type of thing that will change your life forever?

It can be totally nerve wracking, especially if there’s a lot riding on your choice.

Things like buying a house, changing jobs, having a child, planning your honeymoon, figuring out what outfit to wear to a major event — these are all big considerations and should be given some critical thought.

Enter: the pro and con list.

Silly or serious – it serves a purpose.

Let’s say, for example, that you’re buying a house. You should really know everything about that property, from how much it costs to if there’s been any construction work done to it since it has been built. You also need to know what the area is like and if it’s a good investment or not.

Plus, you’d also want to consider your feelings about the house, the distance from work, family, and friends, the proximity to your favorite grocery store… It’s a lot to juggle!

That’s where the pro and con list comes in!

Here are some guidelines for mastering this type of list:?

1. Paper or digital?

I usually go for pen and paper, but some of us are better at making digital lists. I find that if I like the paper I’m writing on then I’m more likely to sit down and make a pro and con list even if it’s a really difficult decision.

2. Start listing

Whenever I make a pro and con list for the first time, I brainstorm and write down whatever comes to mind. Even if it seems like a minor detail — for example, if the office at a potential job is painted your favorite shade of green — put it down. You can weed things out later. Put as few or as many pros and cons as you like.

3. Revise

Once you write down all your thoughts, go back through and delete points that either don’t matter or won’t help your decision. If the green office isn’t swaying your thought process either way then get rid of it. Use this process to try and make your list digestible and helpful.

4. Sleep on it

After making a final list, put it away and rest your brain. It can be hard to think straight if you’ve been staring at something for a long time. Put it away and come back to it tomorrow. When you go back, you might look at your pros and cons list in a totally different light.

5. Talk it out

If you’re having some trouble deciding, grab a friend, spouse or co-worker. Two minds are better than one. This person might even point out some benefits or disadvantages that you haven’t thought about.

6. Weigh your options

This doesn’t mean that just because you have five items in the pro column and only three in the con one that the pros win. Think about each option critically and envision what your life will be like if you had to deal with each one. Do some research if you need to or ask some questions. Remember what might not seem like a big deal to someone else might be serious to you. Be realistic and true to yourself.

Pro and con lists are one of the most useful kinds of lists for major decisions. We all know the basics of how to make one, but digging into each step can make them an even more powerful tool.

BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? CLICK HERE to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.