Here is an example of a decision balance sheet completed by a person thinking about joining the Peace Corps:
Self:
Live in another country and culture exciting!
Opportunity to teach and travel.
Chance to test myself and grow as a person.
Low pay
Away from friends and family.
May have trouble adjusting; may be lonely.
Significant Others:
Helping others
I will help make this a better world.
I can share with others, in a small way, the advantages I have had by my birth in the U.S.
Will not be able to pay off college loans as soon as I said would, and I may feel disappointment in myself because of this.
Parents will be proud of me.
My minister will be pleased.
College advisor wants me to go graduate school at his alma mater.
Brother thinks I'm stupid; I'm just a phony do-gooder, that I should think about my future.
He also completed decision balance sheets for the two other choices he was considering: go to graduate school and work as a teacher in local school.
For your own use, print a blank decision balance sheet.
