Decision and Planning Diagrams

Do you know what a Venn Diagram is?

It’s placing circles on top of each other and seeing where and how they overlap. The meaning of each circle – or part of life/work/sports/love/spirit/whatever it covers (or even competing ideas) – tells you how they work together. How things play out. The diagram above shows this.

A Venn diagram is not a decision tool.

It is, however, a valuable planning tool.

Say you want to see how your work, sports, and romance are playing out. What is the overlap between each circle? What is in the middle? Work and sports may play well together if you play golf with the boss regularly or work in the sports industry. What about how sports and romance work together? Does your partner like sports? So now, how do your romance and work overlap? Is that compatible? And that spot in the middle — that’s you! Your wholeness.

You can make these on Excel, by the way. It can be difficult, but it can be done. Look under Insert –> Illustrations –> smart-art. There are ways to add text, make one from data you’ve entered, and so on. There are hundreds of tutorials online.

I suggest you look at things this way for a while and see what relationships you come up with in your life and how those overlap. Apply them to your work to see how your skills and aspirations overlay the demands of your position. Perhaps you are ready for a new job? A promotion? School to extend a particular skillset?

Or do you hate the whole thing and want to scrap your life for your brother’s?

Spirit says that where we put our attention is where we see changes in our lives.

• Are you worrying about money all the time? You are creating a lack of money that way. STOP!
• Are you worrying about the fight you had with your significant other or your friend over the phone? STOP! You are creating discord and uncomfortable feelings. Call and make amends, instead of stewing.
• Are you struggling with a particular business problem or decision? Write down your options. Paper and pencil or pen work best here. Use the Venn diagram or a Pro/Con table.

If you have more than 2 options, use the Venn. Excel tools are wonderful! So is old-fashioned paper and pen.

I’m not trying to give advice, here. I’m just talking about tools I’ve found that are helping me. Sharing my journey.

How Am I Using These?

I’m still torn on the Data Analytics stuff. How far should I go in studies? What languages do I need to learn? How much time will it take, and how much more money can I make by learning it? Can I get a job at all?

Should I stop all this and start another company, instead?

Yeah. Hard questions.