When you can't make a decision about which choice to make, here are some tips to help you solve the problem.
There are many times in life when you have to make a decision.
There are times when you are not sure which path to take, or which person to marry.
There is a good method to try when you are confused about such decisions.
First, draw a vertical line down the middle of a blank piece of paper and list up the good points on the right side and the bad points on the left side.
On the right side, list as many advantages as you can think of, and on the left side, list the disadvantages.You can add as many as you can think of over the next few days.
For example, if you are thinking about going to a certain university, write down the advantages and disadvantages of joining that university.
For advantages, you may be able to get the certification you want, or you may be able to find a job after graduating from the school.
Disadvantages, for example, may include the high cost of tuition or the distance from home.
You can list as many as you can think of in this way.
After listing the the advantages and disadvantages, compare items from both sides.
Match the items that are equivalent from each side and cross them out.
Of the items listed in the advantages and disadvantages section, find the ones that are equal when weighed, and eliminate them by removing them both.
It doesn't have to be a one-to-one thing. There may be two good items and one bad item that are judged to be about equal.
In this way, the two items that seem to be equal are eliminated from the list.
Then you can see which of the remaining items are more important or greater.
If the option has only advantages remaining, you should choose it, but if the option has only disadvantages remaining, you should give it up.
This is a way to analyze and make a decision.
This is the method that Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, introduced to his friends. He is also known for his quote, "Time is money".
In this way, the pluses and minuses are shown on the right and left sides, which is called a balance sheet.
The balance sheet is mainly used in corporate finance.
Mr. Franklin also advocates the human balance sheet.
In the human balance sheet, you draw a vertical line down the middle of a blank sheet of paper and write down your strengths on the right side and your weaknesses on the left side (or vice versa).
You can have a bias towards one side or the other. For example, if you only write down your strengths or your weaknesses, then you have a biased view.
If you only write about your strengths, you may be confident and conceited.
This can lead to failure.
A person who writes a lot of faults may be insecure and unmotivated.
Such people tend to be passive and lose their will to challenge things, and therefore tend to miss out on success.
Both of these are out of balance.
By writing this human balance sheet, you can discover the bias.
You will be able to look at yourself objectively and see your strengths and weaknesses.
It's a good idea to create a human balance sheet to take a look at yourself.
This is my explanation of Benjamin Franklin's idea of a balance sheet for life.
I hope this is helpful.
Translated by Yuki Naito
