Competing goals and solutions

• When there are competing solutions to solve a particular goal, how do you choose?
• One unusual problem is the Starving Mule problem. If a mule is right between two hay stacks, it doesn't starve.
• Another similar problem is having multiple goals.
• People deal with this all the time. I'd like to spend some time with the kids, and some time writing a paper. How do I choose?
• Can I do something smart so I can fulfill both.
• Do I merely pursue one goal, fulfill it, then move to the next?