Create Decision Log

Overview

Create a structured decision journal entry that separates decision quality from outcome quality, inspired by Annie Duke's "Thinking in Bets." Captures the context, options, rationale, and expected outcomes at the time of decision, enabling future review and learning.

Workflow

1. Read existing context — Scan .chalk/docs/product/ and .chalk/docs/engineering/ for related decisions, PRDs, ADRs, or other docs that provide context for this decision. Check for previous decision logs that address similar topics.

2. Capture the decision — Parse $ARGUMENTS to identify the decision topic. If the topic is vague, ask the user to clarify the specific choice being made. Every decision log answers: "What did we decide, and why?"

3. Document the context — Record the circumstances at the time of decision: what information was available, what constraints existed, what pressures were present (time, resources, competitive), and what the stakes were. This section is critical for future retrospection.

4. Enumerate options considered — List all options that were seriously evaluated, including the option of doing nothing. For each option, note the key pros, cons, and the estimated probability of success or risk.

5. Record the decision and rationale — State the chosen option and the reasoning. Distinguish between: (a) evidence-based reasons (data, research), (b) principled reasons (values, strategy alignment), and (c) pragmatic reasons (time pressure, resource constraints). Be honest about which type dominates.

6. Define expected outcomes — What does the decision-maker expect to happen? Include both the hoped-for outcome and the realistic range. State the confidence level (high / medium / low) and the timeframe for evaluation.