This short easy-to-read book is still somewhat esoteric. It is the first one I have found that explains how to use the “thinking clouds” method first presented by Eli Goldratt in his Critical Chain Thinking series. It provides an approach to clarifying the real issues when you are faced with choices to achieve two different, desirable but mutually-exclusive goals. In following Clarke Ching’s advice, you may be able to see alternative formulations of the problem, the pros and cons, or the objectives as you seek to reconcile your dilemma.

You don’t have to be an Eli Goldratt fan to gain value from the book, and the examples range from the strategic (UK national defense policy) to the personal (what to do about having to choose between two girlfriends). I doubt that this would be the only decision-making tool you would use in such situations, which could have critical and long-lasting consequences, but it does help to clarify what decision you are making.

You can find it on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/CorkScrew-Solutions-Impossible-Constraints-Simplified-ebook/dp/B08LKH5M3V