1. Start with what matters to you

Whether you’re choosing a home project, learning resource or productivity tool, the “best” option depends on what you value. State your criteria: cost, time, effort, quality, flexibility, risks and how difficult it is to reverse the choice.

2. Make a decision table

Ask the AI to show each option against your criteria and label unknowns. If you supply example scores, treat them as personal preferences, not objective truth. Do not accept fabricated prices or capabilities as evidence.

3. Invite disagreement

One powerful follow-up is: “Argue against my favourite option. What am I overlooking?” Another: “What single fact would most change this choice?” You want thoughtful challenge, not an assistant that simply agrees.

4. Consider reversible and irreversible choices

Trying a new note-taking method for a week is easy to reverse. Signing a costly contract or making a hiring decision carries greater consequences. The more serious the decision, the more independent evidence and qualified advice you may need.

5. Decide for yourself

AI can organise pros and cons and help you articulate trade-offs. It doesn’t know all your values, obligations or circumstances. Document the reasons for your final choice, especially any assumptions still unresolved.

See it in action

This example shows how to apply the lesson. You can reuse the structure with safe, fictional or public details.

Your practical exercise

Pick a low-stakes choice with two or three options. List three criteria before asking AI. Have it construct a comparison, then challenge the apparent winner. Explain your own final decision in two sentences.

Check your understanding

Answer in your own words before opening each explanation.