Not All Pros and Cons Are Equal: Why Your Values Should Guide Your Decisions (Tuesday Tip #13)

When faced with a big decision, many of us do what we've been taught to do.

We make a list.
We weigh the pros and cons.
We try to be logical and objective.

On paper, it seems like a smart way to approach uncertainty. But there is a hidden flaw in this method that can go unnoticed. Not all pros and cons carry the same weight. And not all decisions that look good on paper feel right in practice.

That is because pros and cons lists can leave out the most important factor: your values.

Why Logic Alone Falls Short

Logic is important. It helps you evaluate risks, compare options, and anticipate consequences. But logic alone cannot tell you whether something is truly right for you, and it doesn’t always factor in what matters most.

A decision can seem perfect on the surface. Good salary, stable benefits, reasonable commute. Yet it can still feel wrong. Or, it may seem risky. Less money, more uncertainty. Yet it can still feel right.

When logic and emotion clash, it is often because your values are missing from the equation.

Values Bring Depth to Decision-Making

Your values represent what matters most to you. They are the invisible drivers behind your choices, your goals, and your fulfillment.

When you make decisions that align with your values, you can feel energized, authentic, and confident, even if the choice is not the easiest one. When you make decisions that ignore your values, you may feel uneasy, drained, or disconnected, even if everything looks fine from the outside.

That is why filtering decisions through your values matters.

How to Filter Decisions Through Your Values

Next time you are making a tough choice, go beyond the standard pros and cons list. Add this step:

Ask yourself: Which option better reflects my values?

If you value Personal Growth, will this choice give you room to grow?
If you value Relationships, will it deepen your connection?
If you value Health & Well-Being, will it support your physical and emotional needs?

Not every decision is black and white. Your values can help you navigate the gray areas with more confidence.

An ultra-personalized Values Identifier report outlines the wants, needs, expectations, and potential blind spots associated with each of your values. This level of personalized information can be a great addition to your decision-making process.

When in Doubt, Let Your Values Lead

When two options look equal on paper, your values can offer the final clarity you need. They remind you of who you are and what truly matters. A decision that stays true to your values may not always be the easiest, the safest, or the most popular. But it will usually be the one you can stand behind without regret.

Your values are not just part of you. They are the part that can lead you forward when everything else feels uncertain.

Every Tuesday, we offer Tuesday Tips on the Values Identifier Facebook page and here in blog form. These tips offer thoughts and ideas to help you live a life more aligned with your values.