The Rubber Band Model

When faced with a dilemma "The Rubber Band Model" is designed to help a person choose between two options. The model consists of envisioning being stuck between two rubber bands, both stretched to their limits from either side of the dilemma. One rubber band is holding you from moving away, while the other is trying to pull you closer.

While in reality both rubber bands are equally holding or pulling, the exercise is to ask your self, "What is holding me?" and "What is pulling me?” For example, if the dilemma were changing careers you would ask, what is about a career change that is pulling you in that direction and what are the things holding you to your current career? 

The model is most effective when the dilemma or problem is between making a change or staying with the way things are currently. If you were living in Minnesota, the model can be useful deciding whether to stay or move out of the state, but it will not be as helpful choosing between Florida and California. For that, you may want to look at some of the other tools provided when developing your solution.   

Adapted From:
Krogerus, M., & Tschäppeler, R. (2012). The Decision Book: 50 Models for Strategic Thinking (1 ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.