When big decisions feel overwhelming.

Problem solving can often feel overwhelming when we’re faced with a novel or difficult decision. You may be stuck on thinking about the consequences of potentially choosing wrong. Or you may feel unsure about the benefits and losses. There’s no go-to solution or manual to consult in knowing what the best decision at a given time is, but there is a framework that may help you approach a situation from different perspectives that challenges your habitual thinking patterns.

This framework was introduced in 1985 by Edward Du Bono when he wrote a book on the 6 thinking hats. He proposed a parallel thinking process that separates emotion from logic, creativity from information, as well as considering the negative and positive emotions for a given situation. Each coloured hat represents a different perspective to help simplify thinking and potentially become a more effective and enjoyable process.

Here’s an example. If I were to re-consider the move from South Africa to the Netherlands with this framework in mind, this is how I might do it:

· The white hat looks at facts and information. Considerations here are things like financial implications, employment opportunities, schooling options, childcare, healthcare and residency conditions.

· The red hat considers your emotions, intuitions and gut responses. What do I feel in response to the idea of moving? What would I hope to provide for my children? How does each family member feel about leaving familiarity and support networks behind?

· The black hat is about risks, downsides and cautions e.g. adjustment in terms of language barriers and belonging; risk of not finding a good income job; the strain on us as a couple; the implication if it doesn’t work out.

· Yellow looks at the benefits, opportunities and value that can be added. This can be building resilience, exploring Europe, feeling safer and my children growing up with more independence.

· The green hat is about creativity, alternatives and possibilities. Are there hybrid solutions? How can we intentionally build a support network? Are there alternative countries to consider?

· The blue hat is about process control. Here you create an overview and integrate the information. What decision-making pace feels appropriate? How may we revisit or review a decision over time? What shared values should guide the final choice? What would a ‘good enough’ decision look like?

This process creates clarity by slowing down reactive decision-making and giving you an opportunity to explore a situation from multiple angles. For me, when I give my concerns and considerations more structure, the answer largely reveals itself. I was in favour of the move to the Netherlands, and I knew where to focus my effort to create a life that felt more in line with my values.