Life changes like career shifts, going back to school, or starting a business can strain a relationship. Deciding together on such transitions is crucial. In this scenario demonstrating the 20 Minute Decision, our characters consider the question “To start a new business or Not”. Working with a consultant each is able to develop their value structure that will help them make the best decision possible for them.

In their shared journey, Olivia and James both 50 years old found themselves at a pivotal moment, considering opening a business that promised both opportunity and challenge. The decision was causing strain in their relationship as it seemed that their priorities were not in align and at times in direct conflict. James was having a difficult time putting into words what mattered to him. He knew what he didn’t want, but this wasn’t helping them to take the next steps of starting the business. Olivia knew that this could be a legacy that they leave together for their children, but the uncertainty of it was causing her to avoid the decisions that needed to be made to move forward. They had been thinking about this decision for about 18 months before deciding to explore the decision with the 20 Minute Decision. As a couple, each would work individually with the consultant and then share their value structure with the other, allowing them to clearly demonstrate what mattered to each. This gave them the opportunity to look for shared values and consider where they are different.

Factors Considered:

Olivia’s Factors:

1. Individual Aspirations (Ranking: 1): Olivia articulated and understood each partner’s individual dreams and career aspirations, recognizing the importance of personal fulfillment in the journey of life.
2. Shared Goals (Ranking: 2): Olivia aligned the major life transition with their shared long-term goals and values, understanding that their journey was not just about individual success but about building a life together.
3. Support Systems (Ranking: 3): Olivia assessed the availability of emotional and practical support from friends, family, or mentors, recognizing the importance of a strong support network in navigating challenges and celebrating successes.

James’s Factors:

1. Financial Implications (Ranking: 1): James evaluated the financial impact of the transition and planned for potential changes in income, understanding the practical considerations that came with pursuing their dreams.
2. Risk Tolerance (Ranking: 3): James discussed the level of risk both partners were willing to take on in the pursuit of the transition, recognizing that stepping into the unknown required courage and resilience.
3. Communication (Ranking: 2): James established open and effective communication channels to navigate challenges and celebrate successes, recognizing that transparent communication was key to weathering the storms of change.

Decision Making Process:

Armed with their value-based hierarchy of factors, Olivia and James were well positioned to consider the decision. At the consultation they could clearly understand where the other stood. They then worked with consultant to establish a shared value structure, performing tradeoffs and deciding what was primary and what would be supportive. They engaged in deep conversations, exploring their individual aspirations and aligning them with their shared goals and values. They considered the financial implications of the transition, planning meticulously to ensure stability amidst change. They knew that would lean on their support systems, drawing strength from friends, family, and mentors as they would navigate the challenges of the unknown. They made the decision to start the business. From this place of shared values structure they could make a commitment to the next steps of organizing the change, selecting products, services, systems that would make their offering to customers a success.