Set a Review Date for a Reversible Decision
Added 2026-11-01
Decide now, then agree when and with which signals to revisit it.
I am making a reversible decision (described below). Give me a review plan: 1) the review date and why that date; 2) three signals to check then, and where each comes from; 3) what would trigger an earlier review; 4) when to keep the decision and stop re-opening it; 5) one line on what the alternative would look like now, to judge whether to change course. Keep it short enough for a memo.
Site original
Chinese original
How to use
可逆决定不需要想很久，只需要想好什么时候改。
Try tweaking it
- Ask what evidence would overturn the judgement.
- Have it argue both sides with three reasons each.
What you should get
- A decision table: assumptions, evidence, counter-evidence
- A next action with an observable signal
Common mistakes
- Asking only "should I?" and getting equally valid answers both ways.
- Never asking for counter-examples, so you only hear support.
How to check the output
- It states what evidence would overturn the conclusion.
- Both sides are argued, with assumptions marked as such.
Where it works
- Good for: splitting a decision into assumptions, evidence and counter-cases, leaving the call to you.
- Watch out: ask what evidence would overturn the judgement, or you will only hear supporting reasons.