BLUF Decision Prompt: Get a Bottom-Line Answer Fast

I'm deciding between [OPTION A] and [OPTION B] for [PURPOSE].

Give me a BLUF recommendation:
- Which option do you recommend and why? (2 sentences max)
- What's the main risk of this choice?
- What's one thing I should verify before deciding?

Context: [ADD ANY RELEVANT DETAILS, INCLUDING ENERGY LIMITS OR SUPPORTS]
This is a starting point. I'll confirm important details with the right professional if needed.

After you paste your decision, the AI will:

1. Lead with its recommendation (Option A or B first, no hedging)
2. Summarize the why in 1-2 sentences so you can scan it fast
3. Flag the primary risk so you know what to watch
4. Suggest one concrete detail to verify before acting

Expect a quick direction you can sanity-check, not a final verdict.

Sample request:

I’m deciding whether to take a new job offer. Current job: stable, remote, good benefits, but boring. New job: exciting work, 20% pay bump, but requires relocating and in-person 4 days/week. I have MS and fatigue is a major factor. What should I do?

AI response:

BOTTOM LINE: Don’t accept as-is; negotiate remote flexibility first.
REASON: The 4-day on-site load likely conflicts with your MS fatigue supports; test fit before committing.
VERIFY: Confirm accommodations and remote days with the hiring manager and HR; check commute impact with your care team.
RISK: Accepting now without supports risks burnout and delays your accommodation requests.

Health & employment reminder: This example shows how AI can help frame a decision. Talk with your care team or HR before making job or health moves.

Say this into your phone or computer:

“BLUF should I take the new job” (then add your context)

“BLUF which laptop for video editing under $1,500” (then add your context)

Variations for Different Situations

Prep for Doctor Conversations

BLUF: Help me frame questions about [TREATMENT/MEDICATION] for my upcoming appointment.

Context: I have MS, currently on [current treatment]; symptoms I'm managing are [list]. My doctor mentioned [new option] because [reason].

Give me the bottom line on what to clarify, the main risk I should ask about, and the one question I must bring to my neurologist.

For Purchases (Tools/Tech)

BLUF: Should I buy [PRODUCT A] or [PRODUCT B]?

Context: I need it for [purpose], budget is [amount], must-have features are [list], energy available for setup is [low/medium/high].

Give me the bottom line and one dealbreaker to watch for.

For Schedule/Commitment Decisions

BLUF: Should I commit to [EVENT/PROJECT]?

Context: It requires [time/energy], happens [when], and I'm already doing [current commitments]. I manage MS fatigue by [your strategy].

Give me the bottom line (yes or no), the biggest energy risk, and one thing to confirm with the organizer.

For “Should I Stop Doing X?” Questions

BLUF: Should I quit [ACTIVITY/COMMITMENT]?

Context: I've been doing it for [duration], costs me [time/energy/money], gives me [benefits], but lately [what's changed].

Give me the bottom line and what I'd lose if I quit. For health activities (therapy, PT, meds), remind me to check with my provider first.

Pro Tips

• Speed run: Add, “Answer in 60 words or less.”
• Need more nuance: Follow with, “List two pros and two cons of the opposite choice so I can double-check.”
• Low stakes only: “Force yourself to pick one” belongs with low-stakes choices; for medical, legal, or major life decisions, let the AI say “it depends” and take that as a flag to consult an expert.
• Save your history: Paste the final answer into your symptom or decision log so you can see patterns later.

Quick Reference

Log it: Drop the decision and why it worked (or didn’t) into your symptom or decision log for future you.

Why This Works

The “BLUF” trigger:

• Signals any AI to give the recommendation first
• Keeps the response tight and scannable when energy is low
• Surfaces the single riskiest part so you know where to focus next
• Points you to one verification step instead of a rabbit hole

The headspace shift:

• On foggy days, starting with “do X” beats weighing a dozen options
• You can still override it; this just gives you a first move
• Works across ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini (free tiers included)

Troubleshooting

“AI says ‘it depends’ instead of recommending”

• Add: “I need a recommendation, not a list of factors.”
• Or: “If you had to pick for yourself right now, which would it be?”

“The answer is too long”

• Add: “Maximum 50 words total.”
• Or: “Tweet-length answer only (280 characters).”

“I need health guidance, but it keeps refusing”

• Ask for help framing questions: “Give me the top 3 questions to ask my doctor about this decision.”
• Keep any health or legal call grounded in your professional care team.

“I need to see both sides”

• Follow up: “Now give me two reasons the other choice might still make sense.”
• Or switch to the pros cons prompt for a fuller comparison.