AI-Supported Decision Making Guide
6/8/20253 min read
Introduction
Ready to put the decision-making frameworks into practice? This guide puts the concepts from my recent article into 10 actionable AI prompts you can use immediately.
These prompts are designed to be your practical toolkit - simply copy the relevant prompt, fill in your specific situation, and let AI help structure your thinking. Whether you're facing a quick daily choice or a major life decision, there's a prompt matched to the stakes involved.
Each prompt includes clear placeholders for your context to ensure you get personalized guidance rather than a generic advice. Apply them to make AI your decision-making partner, turning the frameworks into concrete action.
Short Prompts (Quick Decision Support)
1. The "Hell Yeah or No" Filter
I'm considering [DECISION/OPPORTUNITY]. Help me apply the "Hell Yeah or No" test. Based on what I've told you, am I genuinely excited about this, or am I just being polite/obligated? Give me a clear recommendation.
2. Mental Simulation Quick Check
I need to decide whether to [SPECIFIC DECISION]. Walk me through the best-case and worst-case scenarios for both choosing YES and choosing NO. Make it realistic, not extreme.
3. Identity Alignment Check
My core values are [LIST VALUES] and I want to be known as someone who [IDENTITY DESCRIPTION]. Given this, what would the person I want to become do in this situation: [DESCRIBE DECISION]?
4. Rush Decision Warning
I feel pressured to decide about [DECISION] by [TIMEFRAME]. Is this timeline realistic, or should I ask for more time? What specific questions should I research before deciding?
Medium-Length Prompts (Balanced Analysis)
5. Stakeholder Perspective Analyzer
I'm facing this decision: [DESCRIBE DECISION AND OPTIONS]. Help me identify who else is affected by this choice and what their perspectives might be. Then analyze whether their opinions should influence my decision and why. Consider potential biases in their advice.
6. Control Mindset Reframe
I'm anxious about making the wrong choice regarding [DECISION]. Help me reframe this using a "control mindset" - show me how I can make either option work well and what specific actions I can take to influence positive outcomes regardless of which path I choose.
7. Skills and Future Projection Analysis
I'm choosing between [OPTION A] and [OPTION B]. For each option, analyze: 1) Which of my existing skills give me an advantage, 2) What new skills I'll develop, 3) Realistic career/life paths this opens, 4) Daily activities I'll actually be doing. Be specific and practical.
Long Prompts (Comprehensive Decision Support)
8. Complete Decision Framework Application
I need to make a major decision and want to use a structured approach. Here's my situation: [DETAILED CONTEXT] My options are: [LIST ALL OPTIONS] Please help me by: 1. Categorizing this decision by stakes (low/medium/high) and recommending the appropriate analysis depth 2. Creating a comprehensive pro-con analysis for each option 3. Identifying potential blind spots or factors I might be overlooking 4. Suggesting specific research questions or information I should gather 5. Providing a timeline for making this decision without rushing 6. Showing how each option aligns with these values: [LIST YOUR VALUES] 7. Giving me 3 concrete next steps to move forward confidently Be thorough but practical in your analysis.
9. AI-Assisted Decision Coaching Session
Act as my decision-making coach. I'm struggling with [DECISION] and experiencing [DESCRIBE EMOTIONS/CONCERNS]. My background: [RELEVANT PERSONAL INFO] My goals: [SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM GOALS] My constraints: [TIME, MONEY, LOCATION, ETC.] Guide me through a complete decision-making process: - Help me clarify what I'm really deciding between - Identify the root cause of my decision anxiety - Apply appropriate frameworks based on the decision's importance - Challenge assumptions I might be making - Provide structured questions to help me think through this systematically - End with a clear action plan and decision timeline Ask me follow-up questions if you need more information to provide better guidance.
10. Regret Prevention and Future Self Analysis
I'm deciding between [OPTIONS] and I'm worried about future regret. Help me conduct a "future self" analysis: 1. Project forward 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years for each option 2. Identify which choice my future self would thank me for and why 3. Analyze what specific actions I can take now to prevent regret regardless of my choice 4. Show me how to maintain the control mindset: "I can make any path work for me" 5. Create a plan for regular decision review and course correction 6. Address this specific concern I have: [DESCRIBE YOUR MAIN WORRY] Include both practical outcomes and personal fulfillment in your analysis. Help me see that either path can lead to success with the right approach.
