Enter: The pro/pro list

Do you have an upcoming decision that you need to make? If so, I wanted to share with you an exercise that I’ve been doing with my clients. It’s called the pro/pro list.

A pro/con list is based on the assumption that there’s a right decision or a wrong decision, and this way of thinking keeps people stuck in indecision; fearful of making the wrong decision.

I want you to try on this thought: What if there’s no right decision, just a decision that I love and go all in on?

A pro/pro puts your brain to work thinking about creating opportunities, instead of mitigating risks. Put another way, it focuses your brain on potential positive outcomes.

It teases your brain with the idea that any decision could turn out well.

Here’s how to make a pro/pro list:

Get out a sheet of paper and a pen, and write both of your options at the top of the paper. Starting with the first option, write down every single reason that it’s a complete no-brainer to choose this option. Keep generating reasons until you’re 100% convinced that this option is of course the best option.

If you surface any cons, think about them like this: Cons as just obstacles that you can proactively strategize for. Strategies are opportunities to work on something new. Your strategies go back on your list as pros. 

Then, do the same with the second option. Write down every single reason that the second option is a complete no-brainer. Keep generating reasons until you’re 100% convinced that this option is of course the best option.

At this point, most people will hit me with this objection: “But if they’re both great options, then I’ll end up more confused.” I hear you, but stick with me.

Once you have both lists of incredible reasons, study them. Which reasons do you like best?

Your choice should be glaringly obvious at this point. If it’s not: Go back to your two options, generating even more reasons why they’re each worthwhile.

Here’s the crazy irony: 

The more that I work with clients on their pro/pro list about the decision to join one of my programs—so, to spend time, energy, and money to coach with me, or to spend that time, energy, and money on something else incredible—the more they decide to invest in coaching.

All of the sudden, they move from paralysis, confusion, and fear of making the wrong choice, to a full, deep understanding that they’re in control and that any choice they make can pan out perfectly for them.