Make life-changing decisions confidently with WADM

We have to make many decisions every day, big and small, but 1% of the decisions we make are genuinely life-changing ones that often cause us to freeze or react too quickly without thinking about what we can do differently.

Ever had a big decision like whether to change careers? Should I choose road A instead of road B? For some days, you favor option A, and the next day option C, and the other day option B. Wouldn't it be nice if making a difficult choice only required choosing the greater number? To make your decision-making process easier, the Weighted Average Decision Matrix (WADM) exists.

Here’s What We’ll Cover:

What is a weighted average decision matrix?

When should you use weighted average decision matrix

How does WADM work?

How can I use WADM?

Don't forget the STAR model

Why did I create my own version?

Takeaways

Weighted Average Decision Matrix (WADM)

• The Weighted Average Decision Matrix is an effective quantitative method for comparing a group of options to a set of factors.

• It plays an important role when you have to choose the best option and need to carefully consider various factors.

• WADM's goal is simple: make you consistently choose between two or more things based on weighted factors that matter.

Usage of Weighted Average Decision Matrix

• WADM is for big decisions so you might use this once or twice a year.

• It is specifically useful when you have to make a decision that has multiple alternatives to choose from, each alternative must be examined equally, or it could cost you the wrong decision consequences.

The "STAR" model

It is based on the issues that people encounter when making decisions.

• "S" denotes situational awareness. It’s about working out what’s happening, why it’s happened, and what you think is going to happen next.

• "T" denotes time. You must determine how much time is available to make a decision before making one.

• "A" denotes adaptation. Keep an adventurous and open mindset, and don't be afraid to explore new possibilities. You'll pay a price if you convince yourself something is correct only for it to turn out to be wrong.

• Finally, R denotes revision. Making a decision once doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t revisit it.

My WADM version

I heard about WADM last month. So I wanted to give it a try. When I looked for this tool online, I found the these tools. When I open the website, I get lost in the advertisement and forget about why I went there 😂. So, I decided to make my own version.

Takeaways

• A weighted decision matrix is a great tool that allows you to make unemotional and calculated decisions.

• Utilizing a weighted decision matrix can help add a whole new angle to your planning process. It’s a great way to make decisions that may have created conflict in the past.

• The WADM is a great tool for making big decisions as long as you are perfectly honest with the factor weighting.

• It clears your mind and helps you act on your decision. It’s pointless to make a decision in your head but do nothing at all.

• After using WADM you can say “I'm going to sleep well tonight knowing that I made the right decision.” -- George Ryan

P.S. Once in a while be alone somewhere and take the time to reflect on your decision and ask yourself am I heading towards the end goal I wanted to?

References:

• Decision Time: How to Make the Choices Your Life Depends On by Laurence Alison and Neil Shortland
• https://fastdecision.app/wadm-decision-maker/
• https://www.weighteddecision.com