1. Choose an issue you’d like to work through

What is the problem you need to solve?

2. Write out the facts in the story

What do you know for sure about the situation?

What information is missing - that you CAN find out?

What would you like to know, but simply won't be able to find out?

3. Without judging yourself, reflect on how you are feeling about the situation. Check the boxes that apply.

(Remember, we're talking feelings, not thoughts!)
joysatisfactionpeaceconfusionuncertaintyanxietyfearangerfrustrationsadnessguiltdisappointment

List other words better describe your feelings.

4. What should be most important in your answer to the question? In answering this question, try to complete the sentence, "It is important that..." Also, try to get to the deeper value at stake by probing yourself with the question, "why is this important to me?"

As a reminder, sometimes we get caught up in things and lose sight of what really should matter most. Here is a list of things that we often think should matter in life, but that we might easily forget.

It's important that...
we recognize the limitation of our own perspectives - we acknowledge that others may have a different and equally legitimate view of the world.we treat other people with kindness - we treat them gently and well.we try to understand other people's views first without judging - just so we really understand where they are coming from.we exchange ideas with other people and try to collaborate with them so that we can all get through the situation in a way that allows us to live with integrity.we give special attention to those who are most vulnerable - those who need assistance to understand and carry through with what is most important to them.we build trust with the others in our lives.we are honest about what reality looks like, what is important to us, and how well this is showing up in the world.we fulfill the special obligations we have to specific others in our lives such as those in our personal and/or professional care.

5. List what should matter in priority order:

It's important that... #1

It's important that... #2

It's important that... #3

It's important that... #4

It's important that... #5

It's important that... #6

It's important that... #7

It's important that... #8

It's important that... #9

6. Brainstorm possible options

List the different ways you might solve this problem or answer the key question.

Possible solution 1

Possible solution 2

Possible solution 3

Possible solution 4

Possible solution 5

7. Evaluate your choices to see which solution or solutions best live up to what should matter most

Do an analysis of each of your options, to see how well it lives up to each of your values, using the following process:

1. Click the button and get the table that lays out each option and your priority values
2. Go through each option and ask how well it lives up to each value
3. Possible scale:

• ✓✓ = totally live up to
• ✓ = live up to
• – = neither
• ✕ = offends a little
• ✕✕ offends a lot

8. Make a decision and carry it out!

Step back and consider:

1. Which option lives up to most important?
2. Can you combine options to live up to what matters?
3. Make a decision accordingly

List the steps you'll need to take to carry out the decision?