You stand at a crossroads. Change jobs? Move to another city? End a relationship or give it a chance? Inside, there's a chaos of voices: "You should do this!", "What will people say?", "But I want this!".
Familiar? Our brain in such situations is like a committee of three advisors constantly arguing with each other:
Advisor "Duty" insists on rules, obligations, and "what's right".
Advisor "Consequences" calculates benefits, risks, and future outcomes.
Advisor "Soul" whispers about dreams, values, and who we want to become.
The problem is that we often listen to the loudest, not the wisest. What if there was a way to give each a voice and make a decision you'll be proud of in 10 years?
There is such a way. It's called the D/C/V Algorithm. It's not magic, but a structure for your thoughts. Let's get to know its three advisors better.
Advisor #1: DUTY / RIGHT — 40% weight
His question: "What do the rules say?"
This is the strictest and most principled advisor. He views the world through the lens of obligations and fairness.
What is within his competence?
Your promises and agreements (a word given to a partner, a contract with an employer).
Your moral obligations (caring for loved ones, duty to those who helped you).
The law and the rules of the community you are in.
Your personal boundaries and rights (the right to respect, rest, and realizing your potential).
Why listen to him first? Because a decision that destroys trust, breaks a promise, or oversteps others' rights rarely leads to true success. This advisor is your moral compass. He eliminates obviously losing options.
His verdict: "Is this path honest? Will it not force me to betray myself or others?"
Advisor #2: CONSEQUENCES — 35% weight
His question: "What will happen next?"
This advisor is a pragmatist and strategist. He doesn't look at the past; his gaze is directed towards the future. He pulls out calculators, spreadsheets, and risk maps.
What does he evaluate?
Finances: How will the choice affect your income and expenses?
Relationships: What will happen to your ties with loved ones, colleagues?
Emotions: Will this decision bring peace or stress?
Time: What are the short-term benefits and long-term consequences?
He considers the consequences not only for you but for everyone affected by your decision.
Why listen to him? Because good intentions must have a reasonable implementation. This advisor helps avoid decisions that "seem right" but lead to disaster.
His verdict: "Is this option practical? Will it bring more benefit than harm?"
Advisor #3: VIRTUE — 25% weight
His question: "Who will you become?"
This is the quietest and deepest advisor. He speaks not about deeds but about your essence. He is your inner philosopher.
What does he ask?
What values are most important to you? (Honesty, courage, care, loyalty?)
Which choice will make you respect yourself tomorrow?
What action will you proudly tell your children about?
Which option requires more courage and growth from you?
Why listen to him last? Because when the first two advisors have done their job and selected a few good options, this one helps choose your path. The one that leads not just to success, but to integrity.
His verdict: "Will this choice make me a better version of myself?"
How to use this in practice? A simple checklist
Describe your dilemma. Take a piece of paper or open a new document.
Identify the options. Option A and Option B.
Give each advisor a turn in order. Don't jump ahead!
First (Duty): Write down what each option says about your obligations and rights.
Then (Consequences): Outline the likely consequences of each option.
Finally (Virtue): Ask yourself which choice aligns with your deep values.
Make a decision. You are not adding up percentages. You are structuring your thinking. Often the answer becomes obvious by the second step.
Remember: The weights (40%/35%/25%) are not a mathematical formula, but a priority of importance. First, make sure you act rightly (Duty), then reasonably (Consequences), and only then nobly (Virtue).
Next time you face a difficult choice, don't panic. Gather your inner council. Ask Advisor Duty, Advisor Consequences, and Advisor Virtue.
Most likely, the best answer is already somewhere inside you. You just need to let it speak.
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