Decision Scorecard — DOPE CEOs AI Bootcamp
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Tool 04 · The Formula · 2 Min Per Decision

Score every
decision before you commit.

You have 12 things on your list. You can do 2 well. Stop choosing the impressive thing over the obvious thing. Score each option in 60 seconds. Highest number wins. The math doesn't lie about which move actually moves the needle this week.

The Formula
( IMPACT × CONTROL ) ÷ ( EFFORT + RESISTANCE ) = SCORE

Worked Example · How I picked the platform for this bootcamp

Real decision. Real numbers. I had three options for where to run DOPE CEOs AI Bootcamp — and the obvious "easier" choice scored lowest. Here's what running the formula actually looked like.

The Decision Where do I host my AI Bootcamp — Skool, Circle, or build my own?
Skool Platform A
Pros
  • Cheap, fast to set up
  • Built-in community feel
  • Gamification keeps engagement
  • Familiar to most students
Cons
  • Generic "course platform" look
  • Limited brand customization
  • Locked into their UX
  • I don't own the student experience
Impact3
Control2
Effort2
Resist2
(3 × 2) ÷ (2 + 2) 1.50
Circle Platform B
Pros
  • More polished than Skool
  • Better branding options
  • Solid community tools
  • Integrates with Stripe / Zapier
Cons
  • Still their structure, their rules
  • Monthly cost adds up
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Can't make it feel like MINE
Impact3
Control3
Effort3
Resist3
(3 × 3) ÷ (3 + 3) 1.50
Build My Own Winner
Pros
  • Full brand control
  • Own the student experience
  • No monthly platform fees
  • Becomes a product asset I own
  • AI-built — fast to ship
Cons
  • Higher upfront effort
  • Have to host + maintain
  • No built-in community features
Impact5
Control5
Effort4
Resist2
(5 × 5) ÷ (4 + 2) 4.17
Why the math wins

Skool and Circle tied at 1.50. Build-my-own scored 4.17 — almost 3x higher — because Impact and Control were maxed. Yes, the effort was higher. But effort alone doesn't decide. The formula forces you to weigh effort AGAINST what you actually get back. Most founders would've picked Skool because it felt easier. The math said no.

Score Your Own Decision Below
The Decision You're Scoring
Impact 3
1 · low5 · big needle

How much does this move the needle on the bucket I'm fixing? Big = 5.

Control 3
1 · others5 · all me

How much is in my hands? Fully in my control = 5. Depends on 5 other people = 1.

Effort 3
1 · easy5 · brutal

How hard / time-expensive is this? Quick win = 1. Massive build = 5. (Higher = worse for the score.)

Resistance 3
1 · clear5 · blocked

How many dependencies, unknowns, or people in the way? No friction = 1. Tons = 5. (Higher = worse.)

Your Score
2.25
Move it. Score it again.
(3 × 3) ÷ (3 + 3) = 1.50
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