Productivity Tips: Using Pro/Con Lists

Making a pro/con list is an age-old decision-making aid. If you have a decision to make and are having trouble getting your head around what path to take, consider making a pro/con list.

To make a pro/con list the old-fashioned way, divide a single sheet of paper into two halves with a line down the middle of the sheet. Of course, instead you could use two separate sheets of paper. Or you could simply type your list into a text editor on your computer.

Label one side (or area) as the "pro" side and the other side as the "con" side. Then list every advantage of making a "yes" decision on the "pro" side. List every disadvantage of making a "yes" decision on the "con" side. Brainstorm possible scenarios and consequences that might lead to advantages and disadvantages.

If your decision isn't urgent, give this some time. In the long run, focusing on your issue and making the right decision will save more time than it takes up-front.

It's beneficial to get the list down in writing to see your options in an objective way.

In our minds, we can build up one advantage or disadvantage out of proportion. We can get hung up disproportionately on one issue that might not be as important as we think. For example, you might focus on cost only. But when you get the list down in writing, you might realize that the benefits are large enough to justify the cost.

In the list, include everything you can think of. Then mark how important each item is. How significant of an impact is each advantage or disadvantage? The brain can weigh each pro/con on the same level. But when you get it down, you may see that some of the items are insignificant or at least more manageable than you initially thought.

For example, let's say you're thinking of getting a dog. Make a quick pro/con list and rank the importance of each point. Your list might look like this:

That's a simplified example. You can scale the technique up for more complex decisions. Seeing the issues in writing helps you understand the best choice for you.