Optimal Decision Making
We live in a predominantly left-brain-oriented world, where words and logic are revered and the creative, intuitive, artistic right brain is often subjugated. Many people even have difficulty performing right-brain activities.

It is in your best interest to use both hemispheres to define what "Optimal" means to you.

There are two predominantly left-brain approaches to help you determine the Optimal solution to your problems and challenges.

  Optimal Thinking for Simple Decisions
  Optimal Thinking for Complex Decisions

Optimal Thinking for Simple Decisions
Betty, an optimist, had given up her job and sold her house, believing that she would get a new job which never transpired. As a result of her bitter experience with optimism, Betty realized optimal realism was her most sensible strategy. She embraced Optimal Thinking and used the following seven-step formula to work out her best solution.
Step 1.Define the problem.
Step 2.Define the time frame when the decision must be made.
Step 3.Explore options for resolving the problem.
Step 4.Eliminate the options that are unrealistic.
Step 5.Write down the advantages and disadvantages (pros and cons).
Step 6.Rate or "weigh" the pros and cons on a scale from 1 to 10.
1 = least important, 10 = most important.
Step 7.Determine which option is in your best interest.
Sometimes several options are highly advantageous. In such a case, the best solution may be to employ two or more of your options.
Here’s how Betty defined her biggest problem, evaluated her options, and decided upon the best solution.
PROBLEM: I don’t have a roof over my head. I need a place to live.
DEADLINE FOR DECISION: 6 pm today.
QUESTION: What are my options for resolving this problem?
ANSWER: Option 1. Stay with my mother until I rent or buy a home.
Option 2. Stay with my friend Jane until I rent or buy a home.
Option 3. Move into a hotel until I rent or buy a home.
QUESTION: What is the rating for each option?
Option 1. Stay with my mother until I can rent or buy a home.
 
Advantages (Pros)ValueDisadvantages (Cons)Value
Can move in today10Mom can annoy me6
Won’t have to pay rent5My bedroom is very small6
Will be welcome there8  
Can stay as long as I like9  
Can store belongings3  
Home is well located9  
Moral support from Mom7  
TOTAL51TOTAL12

Value of Option 1 = +39 (51 - 12)
Option 2. Stay with my friend Jane until I rent or buy a home.
 
Advantages (Pros)ValueDisadvantages (Cons)Value
Roof over my head10Home is not well located9
Won't have to pay rent5Can't store belongings3
Jane is lots of fun9Can stay for only 3 weeks9
Moral support from Jane7Can't move in until Friday10
Will be welcome there8  
TOTAL39TOTAL31

Value of Option 2 = +8 (39 - 31)
Option 3. Move into a hotel until I rent or buy a home.
 
Advantages (Pros)ValueDisadvantages (Cons)Value
Can move in today10Very expensive10
Will be welcome there8Can't store belongings3
Can stay as long as I like9Small living space9
  Will feel lonely9
  Don't know which hotel7
TOTAL27TOTAL38

Value of Option 3 = -11 (27 - 38)

OPTIMAL QUESTION: Which option is in my best interest?
OPTIMAL ANSWER: Option 1.

When using this seven-step process, invest about 15 percent of your time in accurately defining the problem and 85 percent of your time in exploring the options and determining the best solution.

Optimal Thinking for Complex Decisions
When you are faced with life-changing decisions such as buying a home, changing careers, or having children, the Optimal Thinking nine-step formula for complex decisions will enable you to make the Optimal choice.


Learn how to make Optimal choices in every situation!
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