Long-term strategy

How to make a decision that still makes sense in a year

Some choices look good this week and cost you next year. This approach helps you look past the first result, keep a good second option open when that is cheap, and set a date to check whether the choice is working.

What it gets you. Look beyond the first result. Ask what this choice makes easier or harder later. Then pick a date to check again.

Decide what matters most

Say what you want this decision to make possible. Then say what you will not give up to get it.

When it helps: Pressure right now is pushing aside what you really care about.
Where it stops: What you want can change. Look again later at goals you set under pressure.
For example: When you compare two jobs, write down the work you want and the hours you need. Put them next to the title and the pay.

Ask what happens next

For each option, ask what it makes easier or harder after the first result.

When it helps: A quick win now could cause a new problem later.
Where it stops: These are guesses. Note which parts you are guessing, so later you can see which guesses were wrong.
For example: Before you take on extra work, name what you already do that will lose time.

Keep a good way out

When it costs little, choose the path that keeps a good second option open.

When it helps: The choice is hard to undo, and you are missing information.
Where it stops: Keeping every option open has a cost too, and often a big one. Say what waiting will cost before you wait.
For example: Agree a trial period with a review date, instead of a promise with no end date. Both sides have to want this.

Pick a date to check again

Decide now when you will look at this again. Decide what result would tell you to keep going or to change course.

When it helps: You can act now and learn from how it goes.
Where it stops: If something goes wrong before that date, do not wait for it. Deal with it then.
For example: After you change how you work, pick a date to check if it helped. Decide now what “helped” would look like.

An example, worked through

You have two job offers. One pays more. The other would teach you more.

Decide what matters mostWrite the work you want and the hours you need next to each title and salary. Then see which offer fits the list, not just the pay.
Ask what happens nextFor each job, ask what it makes easier or harder in two years: the skills you will have, and the doors it opens or closes.

One next stepWrite your three must-haves before you reply to either offer.

In the Counsel app, you describe your own situation and choose this approach. It uses the one or two principles that fit what you wrote, and ends with one next step you can save.

Try it on your situation

Long-term strategy, applied to what is going on for you.

Write it the way you would tell a friend. Leave with one clear next step.

Download on theApp Store

Or ask the mentors

Prefer several views to one line of thinking? These mentors often read this kind of situation well. See all sixteen.

Benjamin FranklinThe Practical Mind

LincolnThe Reluctant Captain

Sun TzuThe Strategist

Marcus AureliusThe Stoic Emperor

Other approaches

Power & influenceWhen you need credit, a decision, or a better deal Courage & uncertaintyWhen you have to act and you cannot be sure Difficult conversationsWhen something needs saying and you are dreading it Clear thinkingWhen you cannot tell facts from guesses

These principles were written and reviewed for Counsel in plain language. They are not quotes from a book. Counsel is for thinking things through. It is not therapy, and not medical, legal or financial advice.