Free tool · From the book
The Values-Based Decision Matrix
Big decisions get easier when your values do the weighing. This is the decision-making matrix from Start With Values (Penguin, 2025), made interactive: name the decision, confirm your top three values, score your options — and see where your values point.
How it works
- 1. Name the decision you are weighing.
- 2. For each option, write down the reasons it appeals to you.
- 3. For each reason, say how much it matters and tick which of your top three values it serves.
Reasons that serve your values score higher, and your first value counts most. The option with the higher total is the one your values choose. Nothing you type leaves this device.
Name the decision
Be specific — a clear question beats a vague worry.
Confirm your top three values
In priority order. Your first value counts most: a reason that serves it scores ×5, your second ×4, your third ×3. Not sure what they are? Take the free assessment.
Explore your options
For each option, list the reasons it appeals. Rate how much each reason matters out of 10, then tick which of your top three values it serves. A reason that serves none of them scores zero.
See where your values point
Scores appear here once you tick a value on at least one reason.
Option 1
0Option 2
0How the scoring works
Your first value is worth 5 points, your second 4, your third 3 — because priority matters. Each reason’s score is its importance (out of 10) multiplied by the combined weight of the values it serves. A reason that serves none of your values scores zero, no matter how tempting it sounds — that’s the point. For the full method, including how to assess impact and set a review date, see the guide to values-based decision making — or go deeper in the book.
The matrix is a starting point, not advice. You know your situation best.