Set out your criteria for a successful decision. Be clear about what minimum standards the choice you will make must meet. This will eliminate the clearly unworkable choices from consideration before you begin evaluating choices. For example, if one of Joe’s criteria was to make at least $100,000 per year, the teaching option would fail. If, however, one of Joe’s criteria were income stability the stockbroker option would fail. The Criteria Filter is a useful tool for filtering out unacceptable options and, in addition, helping you clarify ideal factors.
