The AUTHOR rule for Hard Decision Making
Professor Ruth Chang
University of Oxford
First recognize that HARD decisions are not necessarily BIG decisions (and vice versa.)
Hard decisions never have a wrong answer. Typically, all choices are on a par with each other. Therefore solely considering the pros and cons doesn’t help (on its own), as most choices will be on a par.
To move through life, external facts are necessary, but not sufficient. Many will be on a par. Determining inner facts (facts about oneself) are as important. Modeling the identity of the person who has made the decision will help you live with the decision. Use the AUTHOR process to collect, analyze and reconcile outer and inner facts:
A Ascertain what actually matters
U Understand the pros and cons of each alternative
T Tally up the list of pros and cons
H Home-in on a hard choice, with alternatives on a par. (Remember, one is not better than the others.) Determine your inner facts (feelings, instincts, relationships etc.)
O Open yourself up to make a commitment
R Remake yourself into the person who made the decision.
Most of us are timid or cautious, for evolutionary reasons. However we can commit to the consequences of a hard decision by making it the right decision, for us. Hard choices allows you to be the AUTHOR of your own life!
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