The Decisional Balance Sheet is a powerful tool from Motivational Interviewing (MI) designed to help you navigate ambivalence. Whenever we consider making a significant change—whether it's starting a new habit, ending a relationship, or changing a behavior—we naturally feel pulled in two directions. This worksheet helps you externalize that internal conflict.
By breaking down the decision into a four-quadrant matrix, you can clearly see the 'hidden' benefits of staying the same and the potential costs of changing. This structured approach prevents you from getting stuck in a loop of 'pros and cons' that only focuses on one side of the coin.
Research shows that accurately identifying the pros of not changing is just as important as identifying the pros of changing. It allows you to anticipate the things you might miss and plan for how to address those needs in healthier ways. Use this worksheet whenever you feel 'stuck' or unsure about taking the next step.
