Decision Compass
PAUSE · COMPARE · CHOOSE
Your Decision Compass
Use this tool to slow down a difficult decision and compare your two main options. It will not choose for you. It will help you see what matters, what worries you, what each option may cost you and what you may need next.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Give yourself a moment to settle
You do not need to feel perfectly calm. But decisions are easier to think through when you are not rushing, panicking or under pressure. If you can, make a cup of tea, get comfortable, take a few slow breaths and give yourself a little space before you begin.
You are exploring your options. You do not have to decide today.
STEP 1
What are you deciding?
Describe the decision in one clear sentence.
STEP 2
What are your two main options?
Keep each option short and clear. “Wait” or “get more information” can also be a real option.
STEP 3
What matters most in this decision?
Choose up to five things that matter most to you in this decision.
STEP 4
Compare the two options
Rate each option from 0 to 10. Go with your first honest response. The scores do not need to be perfect.
STEP 5
What is influencing you?
Choose anything that may be putting pressure on your decision.
STEP 6
What information is still missing?
Sometimes a decision feels hard because you genuinely do not have enough information yet.
OPTIONAL
What is your mind saying?
Add any fears, hopes or worries you want the tool to consider.
YOUR DECISION REFLECTION
What your responses may be showing you
STRONGEST ALIGNMENT
POSSIBLE TENSION
YOUR GUIDING VALUES
What matters most here
OUTSIDE INFLUENCE
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Before you decide
ONE USEFUL NEXT STEP
Choose what would help you move forward
You do not have to make the final decision now. Choose one small step that could make things clearer.
YOUR CHOSEN NEXT STEP
A TERM WORTH KNOWING
Decision fatigue and cognitive load
In simple words: making decisions gets harder when your brain is tired, overloaded or trying to hold too many things at once.
Decision fatigue means the quality or ease of decision-making can drop after making many decisions or using a lot of mental energy.
Cognitive load means how much information your brain is trying to hold and work with at one time.
Values alignment means how well an option fits the things that matter most to you.
Reversibility means how easy or difficult it would be to change course later. A decision does not always have to be treated as permanent.
KEEP THIS FOR LATER
Save your decision reflection
Save a copy in this browser so you can return to it later and use it with the Stardust Self dashboard.
This tool supports personal reflection and does not provide legal, financial, medical, relationship or professional advice. Decisions involving safety, coercion, abuse, major financial risk or legal consequences may require qualified professional support.