Decision Making Worksheet

Use the 5-step decision-making model to work through the scenario below. Then apply the same process to a decision of your own.

Scenario:
You’ve been invited to join an after-school club that meets three times per week, but you’re concerned it might conflict with your homework, family time, or other activities.

1. Step 1: Define the Problem
   What decision do you need to make? What is the problem or challenge?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Step 2: Gather Information
   What information do you need to collect before deciding? (e.g., club schedule, homework load, family expectations)
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Step 3: Consider Options
   List at least three possible options you could take.
   1. ___________________________
      
   2. ___________________________
      
   3. ___________________________
      
      
      
      
4. Step 4: Make Your Decision
   Which option will you choose? Explain your reasoning.
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Step 5: Reflect
   After making your choice, what might be the possible outcomes? What did you learn about your decision-making process?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Apply to Your Own Decision

Think of a real decision you need to make. Use the steps below to guide your thinking:

Your Decision:
___________________________

1. Define the Problem:
   ___________________________
   
   
2. Gather Information:
   ___________________________
   
   
3. Consider Options:
   ___________________________
   
   
4. Make Your Decision:
   ___________________________
   
   
5. Reflect:
   ___________________________
   
   

Use this worksheet as a tool whenever you face important choices. Next, turn your decision into actionable steps using the Action Plan Template and refine your goal into a SMART format with the SMART Goals Worksheet.

Action Plan Template

Use this template to break down your goal into manageable steps. Be as specific as possible!

Your Goal:
What is the one personal or academic goal you want to achieve?

1. Step-by-Step Action Plan

List the key actions you need to take to reach your goal. Include at least three steps.

1. Step 1: ____________________________
   
   
   
2. Step 2: ____________________________
   
   
   
3. Step 3: ____________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Resources Needed

Identify the people, materials, or tools you’ll need for each step.

• People (e.g., mentor, peer, teacher): ____________________________
  
  
• Materials/Tools (e.g., books, software, equipment): ____________________________
  
  
• Other Resources (e.g., time, location): ____________________________
  
  
  
  

3. Timeline & Deadlines

Set realistic dates for completing each action step.

• Step 1 completed by: ____________________________
  
  
• Step 2 completed by: ____________________________
  
  
• Step 3 completed by: ____________________________
  
  
  

4. Potential Challenges & Solutions

Anticipate obstacles and plan how you will address them.

• Challenge 1: ____________________________
  
  Solution 1: ____________________________
  
  
• Challenge 2: ____________________________
  
  Solution 2: ____________________________
  
  
  
  

5. Reflection & Adjustment

After working through your plan, reflect on your progress. What went well? What needs adjustment?

Once your action plan is complete, refine your goal using the SMART Goals Worksheet to ensure it’s clear, measurable, and time-bound.

SMART Goals Worksheet

Use this worksheet to refine your goal so it’s Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART).

Your Original Goal:
What goal are you working on?

1. Specific

What exactly do you want to accomplish? Describe the who, what, where, and why.

2. Measurable

How will you measure your progress and know when you’ve succeeded? Include numbers, milestones, or criteria.

3. Achievable

What makes this goal realistic? List the skills, resources, or support you have (or need) to reach it.

4. Relevant

Why is this goal important to you right now? Explain how it aligns with your values or long-term objectives.

5. Time-Bound

What is your deadline or timeframe for achieving this goal? Be specific about dates or time periods.

Refined SMART Goal

Combine your answers above into one clear, concise, SMART goal statement.

Once your SMART goal is complete, return to the Action Plan Template and update your steps, timeline, and resources to match your refined goal.

Warm-Up: Think–Pair–Share – Reflect on a Recent Decision

Get ready to dive into decision making! In just a few minutes, you’ll think about a choice you made recently, talk it over with a partner, and share key insights.

Think (2 minutes)

1. On your own, recall a decision you made in the last week (it could be as simple as choosing a snack or as big as selecting an after-school activity).
2. Write brief responses below:

• What was the decision?

• What options did you consider?

• Which option did you choose and why?

—

Pair (2 minutes)

• Turn to a partner and share your decision.
• Discuss:
  • What similarities or differences did you notice in your decision-making process?
  
  
  
• Jot down one insight you learned from your partner:
  
  
  

—

Share (2 minutes)

• Volunteers: briefly describe your partner’s decision and the insight you noted.
• Listen for thoughtful reasoning and different approaches to weighing options.

This quick activity warms you up for using the Decision Making Worksheet to explore a structured 5-step process.

Exit Ticket: One Goal

As we wrap up today’s session, take a moment to commit to one clear, SMART goal you’ll work on next.

1. My SMART Goal:
Write one specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goal based on today’s lesson.

2. Why It Matters:
Explain briefly why this goal is important for your personal or academic growth.

3. First Step Tomorrow:
Identify one concrete action you will take tomorrow to move toward this goal.

Use your responses to stay focused—refer back to the SMART Goals Worksheet if you need guidance.

Goal Getter's Grid: A Decision-Making Adventure

Welcome to Goal Getter's Grid! In this game, you'll navigate a path toward a goal by making decisions and planning your next steps.

Players: Individuals or Small Groups (2-3 students)
Time: 15-20 minutes

How to Play

1. Choose Your Goal: Each player or group selects one personal or academic goal they want to achieve. This can be a goal you've already started working on, or a new one inspired by today's lesson.

   *Example Goal: "Improve my math grade from a C to a B by the end of the semester."

2. Draw Your Grid: On a blank sheet of paper, draw a simple 3x3 grid (9 squares). The starting square is