A structured way to think clearly

Most decisions feel hard because we try to think about everything at once.

Logic, fear, hope, risk, identity, all tangled together.

The Six Thinking Hats method gently untangles them.

Each “hat” represents a single way of thinking. You wear one at a time. No debate. No rushing. Just attention.

Think of it as giving different parts of yourself a turn to speak.

Using the framework (career change example)

If you’re considering a job change, role shift, or career transition, this is how the process can look, calmly and without spiraling.

White Hat: What do I know?

This is about facts, not interpretations.

• What is my current situation and growth opportunities?
• What are the financial realities?
• What does the role involve?
• What skills do I already have?
• What would I need to learn?
• What is the expected working hours?
• How is the work culture like?

Clarity begins with information, not assumptions.

Red Hat: How does this feel?

Here, emotions are allowed without needing them to “make sense.”

• Do I feel excited and energized thinking about this option?
• Am I staying in my current job out of fear or comfort, or because it’s right?
• What emotions keep surfacing when I imagine each path?

Sometimes your heart tells you what your mind avoids.

Black Hat: What are the risks?

This isn’t pessimism. It’s care.

• What would be difficult about this change?
• What would I need to prepare for?
• What if I switch and realize I don’t enjoy the new role?
• What if I can’t keep up with the learning curve?

Naming risks often makes them less frightening and helps you be prepared.

Yellow Hat: What might work?

Now flip the script.

Think:

• What could improve if this goes well?
• What possibilities open up if I try?
• What might I gain in energy, growth, or alignment?

Balance comes from seeing both risk and potential.

Green Hat: What options exist?

Time to get creative.

• Is there a smaller step I could take rather than quit immediately?
• Could I test this change instead of committing fully?
• Is there a hybrid path I haven’t considered?

More options reduce fear and stress.

Blue Hat: What’s the next step?

This is your “project manager” hat that helps you tie everything together.

You might outline:

• What research you’ll do next.
• Who you need to talk to.
• What skills you need to build.
• A timeline with small, realistic steps.

This hat turns reflection into a grounded action plan.

Why this works

What I appreciate about this framework is that it doesn’t rush clarity.

It respects complexity without letting it overwhelm you.

Decisions stop being about finding the right answer and start becoming about giving yourself space to explore the full picture.

That’s what makes choices sustainable.

Reader reflection

What is one decision you’ve been thinking about: which perspective is the clearest and which have you been avoiding?