A Process for Learning to Choose Wisely

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A Process for Learning to Choose Wisely

· Keep asking God for help in making wise choices as you live

· Construct a checklist and worksheet something like the one
out his gracious calling. Trust him to guide you as you think.
below, listing factors with their weights and space for ratings,
· Determine the relevant factors ­ tangible or intangible,
products and notes.
objective or subjective ­ in a given decision. Ask someone
· Fill in the worksheet for each option, including the status quo
who shares your values and who's made similar decisions to
if appropriate. Take notes on each option and rate every
check your thinking, allowing for your unique combinations
factor on a scale like: 5 = excellent, 4 = good, 3 = fair, 2 =
of calling, situation, needs and preferences.
somewhat unsatisfactory, 1 = very unsatisfactory, 0 = awful.
· Assign a weight to each factor, using a scale something like:
· Multiply each factor's rating by its weight, then sum the
10 = extremely important, 5 = very important, 4 = somewhat
products for an overall score for that option.
important, 3 = very significant, 3 = somewhat significant, 2 =
· Compare options' sums and make a decision. If you don't
slightly significant, 1 = barely significant. Mentally compare
choose the option with the highest score, be careful to iden-
the relative importance of different factors to help assign
tify what factor(s) were ignored or wrongly weighted. Con-
consistent weights. In a shared decision, it takes some com-
sider refiguring your worksheets in light of any such changes.
promise to avoid improperly biasing the weights.
· Act on your decision, and keep open to God's surprises.

Sample Car Purchase Checklist & Worksheet
Eglestons, Peoria, 1992
Option #____ Make/Model/Year____________________________________ Dealer/Owner_______________________________
Weight Rating Product Factor


10 x
_____ = ______ Affordability



$______ Purchase price*



$______ Trade-in allowance, if any**



$______ Sales tax*



$______ Monthly payment, if any***



_______ Estimated miles per month x $_____ gas price ÷ _____ average MPG = $________***



$______ Estimated maintenance and repairs required immediately*



$______ Estimated maintenance and repairs over the next five years*



$______ Annual insurance premium (with a $_______ deductible) x 5 years = $______*



$______ Remaining/budgeted savings



_______ Other:




Subtotals: *_______ - **_______ + ( ***_______ x 12 months x 5 years ) = $_______ Total



(affordability rating for Total: 5 <$5,000; 4 <$5,500; 3 <$6,000; 2 <$6,500; 1 <$7,000; 0 >$7,000)

10 x
_____ = ______ Low mileage (rating: 5 <30,000; 4 <40,000; 3 <50,000; 2 <60,000 ...)
10 x
_____ = ______ Comfort and space (John's head and legs, back seat passengers)
10 x
_____ = ______ 4-door
5 x
_____ = ______ Trunk space
5 x
_____ = ______ Air conditioning
5 x
_____ = ______ Undercoating and rustproofing
4 x
_____ = ______ Child back door locks
3 x
_____ = ______ Rear window defrost
3 x
_____ = ______ Cruise control for frequent road trips
3 x
_____ = ______ CD player, tape player, AM/FM radio
3 x
_____ = ______ Transmission type (rating: 5 = 5-speed standard, 4 = 4-speed standard, 3 = automatic)
3 x
_____ = ______ Color
2 x
_____ = ______ Tilt seats
1 x
_____ = ______ Sunroof, tinted windows, etc...

Total of products: ______ (a numerical score for this option, given these factors and weights)

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