The recent themes for my newsletters have been based on Change.
It is important that when you get to the point where you want to make a change in your life, you have the tools to perform your own due diligence, and to ensure that you are set-up for the change to be impactful to yourself.
Life-changing decisions can include:

• Switching careers,
• Relocating to a different part of the country,
• Ending or starting a major relationship,
• Or going back into education,
• The list is extensive…

The consequences are long-term. In these cases, the best tools are ones that combine logic with self-reflection. Here are some of the most effective tools and frameworks tailored for deep, personal decision-making:

 1. Clarity Through Values Alignment
Best for: Understanding if the decision aligns with your core values and long-term vision.
Steps:
List your top 5 personal values (e.g., freedom, stability, growth, connection).
Score each decision option from 1–10 based on how well it honours each value.
Reflect: Which option feels most aligned, even if it’s the harder path?
✅ Helps clarify what “success” actually looks like to you.
 
2. Weighted Decision Matrix (Customised for Life Choices)
Best for: Comparing options across multiple personal priorities.
Example criteria: Fulfilment, financial impact, relationships, growth potential, health impact, etc.
Assign weights (importance) to each.
Score each option on how well it meets the criteria.
Multiply scores × weights, then total.
✅ Brings objectivity to emotionally complex choices.
 
3. Regret Minimisation Framework (from Jeff Bezos)
Best for: Long-term perspective.
Ask yourself:
“At 80 years old, will I regret not doing this?”
Helps you make bold decisions when fear is the only real blocker.
✅ Excellent for courage-based life decisions (e.g., starting a business, moving abroad).
 
4. 6 Box Model
Best for: Structured self-reflection.
Boxes to fill in for each option:
What are the facts?
What are my emotions about it?
What are my fears?
What are the potential gains?
What are the costs/risks?
What does my gut say?
✅ Balances head, heart, and gut intelligence.
 
5. Benjamin Franklin T-Chart (Pros/Cons List, But Better)
Best for: Quick overview.
Classic pros and cons, but spend time weighing the importance of each item (not just counting them).
Ask: “Which of these pros/cons are deal-breakers?”
✅ Works well as a warm-up to deeper methods.
 
6. Inner Compass Check
Best for: Checking intuition.
Sit quietly, imagine having already made each choice. Ask yourself:
How does my body feel?
Where do I feel tightness, ease, excitement, dread?
What narrative do I tell myself in each future?
✅ Taps into subconscious knowing that logic may miss.
 
7. Future Self Letter
Best for: Deep intuition + time-based perspective.
Write a letter from your future self (e.g., 5 years from now) who already made the choice.
What has life become? What was hard? What was worth it?
Compare letters for each option.
✅ Insightful for long-term life satisfaction.

I understand first-hand the challenges involved in pushing yourself for ensure the career has a purpose. At Phil Adderley Coaching, I help individuals not only achieve their goals but also overcome significant life obstacles through personalised coaching that addresses both mindfulness practices and employment challenges. My approach recognises that recovery requires holistic support, developing physical strength alongside mental resilience, rebuilding professional confidence, and establishing healthy routines that sustain long-term wellbeing.
I invite you to take that crucial first step toward positive change by booking a complimentary Zoom consultation. This initial meeting gives me the opportunity to understand your unique needs, challenges, and aspirations, allowing us to create a tailored coaching plan that addresses your specific circumstances. Whether you’re seeking to improve your performance, enhance your mindfulness practice, or overcome employment hurdles, I’m committed to supporting you throughout your journey. Send an email to phil.adderley.coaching@gmail.com today to schedule your free session and discover how we can work together toward meaningful transformation and lasting success.