Five Types of Decisions

Can't choose? It helps to know what type of decision you're facing. Buddhist meditation teacher Phillip Moffitt explains the five types.

Benevolent
All your options are good.

Best Approach
If you're struggling with a win-win decision (such as spending time with family versus vacationing with friends), it could indicate that you aren't clear about your values or priorities. Ask yourself, "Am I creating options for myself to escape facing a deeper issue?"

Neutral
You don't have a preference for any of your choices, and yet you still can't seem to decide.

Best Approach
Paralysis sometimes indicates an unacknowledged feeling trying to express itself. Be mindful of how each choice "feels" in your body right now. Often this will help reveal the answer.

Mixed
You see gains and losses in all of your options. Because of this, it's not clear which course you should take.

Best Approach
Where sacrifices are involved, beware of trying to have your cake and eat it, too. Likewise, be careful of fantasy decision-making. ("He's not right for me, but if I commit, he'll change.")

Undesirable
All the options have unpleasant consequences (like choosing between keeping silent or speaking up about a family secret, that some relatives don't know about -- but perhaps should).

Best Approach
Listen to your heart: In the end, which decision will be the easiest to live with?

Unknowable
The consequences are unclear (as in the case of whether or not to have a risky operation).

Best Approach
Fully explore the ramifications of making the choice now versus putting it off. Don't decide until you absolutely have to.

Learn how to approach your choices in this three-step plan