How to Make Better Decisions with a Priority Framework

Last week we looked at how to simplify your decision making. This week I want to talk briefly about how a priority framework can make decisions easier and better.

So what is a priority framework and how does it help?

A few months ago, I bought 3 pairs of high-end headphones (Audio Technica, Bose Clear and other ones) and tried playing the same song on all of them. They all sounded good. I played the same song for an hour. Definitely got tired of hearing “MMM-bop by Hanson” that many times!!

SHIT. How do I choose?

Steven, AppSumo’s design sumo, taught me how to...

Work backwards from a single priority to make THE decision. (click to tweet)

Steven did this by asking, “Which headphones are the most comfortable?”

Instead of considering ALL of the priorities, I considered just one priority. Steven helped me realize that comfort was priority #1. This made the decision a no-brainer.

It was extremely clear to choose Bose which are awesomely comfortable (and great at noise canceling for airplanes).

Problem, solved.

Most people default to money but it’s hardly ever that. To avoid this default, find priority #2 and reevaluate your options. If it’s moving to a new house/apartment, priority #2 might be your commute, distance from your friends/community, or more space.

Let’s rock.