Most pros-and-cons lists mix facts, hopes, fears, and preferences. This version keeps the list simple, then adds the missing pieces: unknowns, risks, and the next action that moves the decision forward.
Before listing pros and cons
- Write the decision as a yes/no or option-versus-option question.
- Remove items that are just repeated in different words.
- Mark assumptions separately from facts.
- Finish with a review date if the outcome will take time to see.
Copyable Markdown template
# Pros and Cons Decision Decision: Date: ## Facts - - - ## Pros - - - ## Cons - - - ## Unknowns That Could Change the Decision - - - ## Main Risk ## Smallest Next Action ## Current Decision ## Review Date
Better output: do not stop at "more pros than cons." Stop when you have one decision, one risk, one next action, and one review date.
When to upgrade from pros and cons
If the choice has more than two serious options, use a decision matrix or option scorecard. If failure would be expensive or public, add a premortem before acting.