Overview

What you're building

A reusable decision method: define criteria and weights first, gather facts per option, then get a scored comparison table and the questions that would change the answer. You make the decision; the method keeps it clear.

Why this setup

Going in circles usually means criteria were never written down. Fixing criteria before looking at options prevents the last thing you read from winning. Saving the method lets you reuse it for every big decision.

The workflow architecture

• AI workspace

  Holds your instructions and reference files so you never re-explain.

• Document template

  Decision brief: criteria, weights, deal-breakers.

• Reusable instructions

  Comparison method and output.

• Your review

  Gut check and verification of facts.

You haven't picked a tool yet, so this kit is platform-neutral. Both Claude and ChatGPT support this setup.

What to prepare

• □The options (2–5).
• □What matters, and what's a deal-breaker.
• □Facts per option: prices, quotes, notes from visits.

Build it once

1. 1Create a dedicated workspace named "Personal Decision Comparison" in the AI tool you choose. Both Claude and ChatGPT call this a "Project". Claude offers Projects on all plans; ChatGPT availability depends on your plan.
2. 2Paste the main instructions block from this kit into the workspace's instructions.
3. 3Upload the reference files listed below, and start every future conversation from inside this workspace.
4. 4Fill in the Decision Brief before researching further.
5. 5Paste the Comparison Instructions with the brief.
6. 6Add facts for each option; ask 'Compare.'
7. 7Verify any fact it relies on; adjust weights and see if the result changes.

Copy-ready materials

Edit anything in [BRACKETS]. Changes are kept when you save the kit.

DECISION: [e.g. Choose a daycare]   Decide by: [DATE]
OPTIONS: [A], [B], [C]
DEAL-BREAKERS: [e.g. more than 20 min drive], [no openings before March]
CRITERIA (weight 1–5):
- [Cost] – 4
- [Hours fit our schedule] – 5
- [Staff ratio] – 3
- [Gut feeling from visit] – 3
WHO ELSE DECIDES: [partner]

Use my Decision Brief. Steps:
1. Remove any option that fails a deal-breaker, and say why.
2. Table: Criterion | Weight | Option scores (1–5) with the fact behind each score.
3. Weighted totals.
4. "What would change the answer": the 2–3 facts or weights that, if different, would flip the result.
5. Questions to ask each option before deciding.

Use only facts I provide; mark missing facts [UNKNOWN] and don't score them. Don't tell me what to choose; show the trade-offs.

How to test it

1. 1Run a past decision you're happy with.

Success looks like

• ✓ The table explains why you chose what you did, or shows what you overlooked.

How to use it next time

1. Copy the brief, fill it in for the new decision.
2. Gather facts, compare, check sensitivity.

Troubleshooting

Scores feel arbitrary.

Require the fact behind each score; adjust any you disagree with.

One option wins everything.

Check for missing criteria; ask 'What would someone who chose B care about?'

Partner disagrees.

Each fill in weights separately, then compare both versions.

Limitations, privacy & safety

• · The result is only as good as your criteria and facts.
• · Not financial, legal, or medical advice.

Privacy & safety

• · Leave out salary details or personal identifiers you wouldn't want stored.