What do you need, and what’s in the way?

Some situations need immediate help, not more thinking. Choose the answer that is closest to what is happening.

Name the need or the problem in your own words. You do not have to know the answer or the available choices yet.

Include only context that affects feasibility, consequences, or timing.

A fixed constraint cannot be negotiated within this decision. A flexible constraint may move with time, support, money, or a smaller first step.

List any options you know about. If you have none yet, say what you need to find out or who could help. You do not have to invent an answer.

Start with stability and what you need to protect. Include the human cost: stress, uncertainty, energy, relationships, and whether you could keep a plan going.

Choose a next step, then check your answers. It’s okay if your next step is to gather information rather than make the final decision.

Your answers so far

Use Edit next to an answer to return to that part of the exercise.