For the next major decision you have to make do the following:

1.      Spend at least 30 minutes thinking about WHY you are choosing a particular action.  Once you are clear, write down the reason and the most likely outcome or first order effect of the decision.

A.     Why: _____________________________________________

B.    Effect:_____________________________________________ 

2.      Now that you have thought through why you are making this choice and what the most likely outcome is…..ask yourself what are the possible 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th order effects or unintended consequences of this decision?  Be creative and even ask for help.  This is often the most difficult part of the task but it is also the most important.

A.    2^{nd ­­­­­­­­} ______________________________________________________

B.    3^rd ______________________________________________________

C.    4^th ______________________________________________________

3.      Ask yourself if ALL the potential effects of this decision are in your best interest.  If they are, move forward with confidence. 

4.      If they are not:

A.    Reexamine your motives surrounding this decision.  Are they aligned with your values?  Do they serve your best interest and the best interest of the people around you?  Could they be potentially hurtful to anyone else?   Is fear playing a role in this decision?  Are you moving toward something or running away from something (avoiding)?

B.     Assess where you can change the outcome with a different decision or action.

C.     Assess where you can mitigate the impact of the unintended effect.

D.     Apply you what you learned to modify the original decision to one that is more suitable for you.