Making decisions can be challenging, especially when emotions are running high. Whether it’s a big career choice or a personal dilemma, our instincts often push us toward quick reactions.
That’s where the 10-10-10 rule steps in—a straightforward yet powerful tool to help you pause, think, and make decisions you won’t regret later.
Created by business writer Suzy Welch, this method offers a fresh perspective, cutting through the noise of emotions to bring clarity and confidence to your choices.
So, what exactly is this rule, and how can it reshape the way you approach decision-making? Let’s dive in.
What is the 10-10-10 Rule?
The 10-10-10 rule is a decision-making tool that helps you evaluate your choices by considering three time frames:
- How will I feel about this decision in 10 minutes?
- How will I feel about this decision in 10 months?
- How will I feel about this decision in 10 years?
By asking these three simple questions, you gain a broader perspective. Instead of letting emotions like anxiety or excitement drive your decision, the rule encourages you to consider its short- and long-term impact.
Breaking Down the 10-10-10 Rule
The beauty of the 10-10-10 rule lies in its simplicity: it provides a structured way to evaluate any decision. Each time frame offers unique insights into how your choice might play out.
10 Minutes: The Immediate Reaction
Right after making a decision, it’s natural to feel a rush of emotions. These immediate feelings can be powerful but don’t always represent the best outcome.
By asking yourself, “How will I feel about this decision in 10 minutes?” you take a moment to pause and check whether those emotions still seem important once the initial rush fades.
Often, what feels urgent right now may not hold much weight once the excitement or fear wears off.
For example, if you impulsively decide to buy something expensive, you might initially feel thrilled. But 10 minutes later, that thrill might fade as you consider the cost. The 10-minute check helps you decide whether you act on genuine desire or an emotional high.
10 Months: The Short-Term Perspective
Looking 10 months ahead helps you step back and think with more clarity. This is when you’ve had time to think about the decision and see how it works.
Ask yourself, “How will I feel about this decision in 10 months?” At this point, the initial emotions have likely faded, and you can see how your decision fits into your longer-term life. Will it still seem like the right choice, or will you regret it?
For instance, a job offer might seem impressive now, but 10 months from now, you might realize that the company’s culture isn’t what you thought or that the long commute is draining you.
This question gives you more perspective on whether the choice still aligns with ysour goals and values.
10 Years: The Long-Term Impact
Now, think even further ahead—what about 10 years from now? This is the question that really gives you long-term clarity. “What emotions will this decision evoke 10 years from now?”
This helps you see the bigger picture and grasp the lasting impact of your decision. Will it still matter in a decade, or will it just be a small moment in your past?
For example, when deciding whether to start a new relationship or move to a new city, this question forces you to think about the long-term effects.
In 10 years, you might not remember the initial excitement, but you’ll likely remember how the decision shaped your life and where you ended up. It helps you make decisions that align with your long-term happiness and goals.
Why the 10-10-10 Rule Works
The 10-10-10 rule is effective because it creates a pause between your initial emotional reaction and your final decision.
By shifting your focus from the immediate moment to the bigger picture, this method helps you weigh the short- and long-term consequences of your actions.
It reduces the risk of impulsive choices driven by fear, excitement, or stress, ensuring your decisions align with your values and goals.
In moments of pressure—whether it’s choosing a job offer, responding to a challenge, or making a significant purchase—the rule gives you the tools to step back, reflect, and make choices you’ll feel good about in the long run.
It’s like hitting the “pause” button, allowing you to make decisions you’ll be proud of—not just now but years down the line.
When to Apply the 10-10-10 Rule
The 10-10-10 rule is incredibly versatile and can be applied to almost any decision, whether a small daily or significant life decision.
Here are some examples of when this rule can help guide you toward a more thoughtful, well-rounded choice:
Choosing Between Two Job Offers
Job decisions are often high-stakes and emotionally charged. If you’re trying to decide between two great opportunities, use the 10-10-10 rule to get some perspective.
Think about how you’ll feel about each offer right after you choose and a few months and years later. Will the work environment, career growth, and salary still seem as appealing over time? This can help you make a decision that’s best for your long-term career and happiness.
Navigating a Tough Personal Decision
Personal decisions, like moving to a new city, ending a relationship, or making a significant lifestyle change, can be filled with emotion and uncertainty.
The 10-10-10 rule helps you push past the short-term feelings of fear, doubt, or excitement, allowing you to focus on the long-term impact of your choices. Ask yourself how you’ll feel about the decision shortly and in the coming years—this can make a difficult choice feel much more straightforward.
Making a Major Purchase
We’ve all been there: the impulse to buy something we want but might not need. Whether it’s a new car, a house, or a high-end gadget, big purchases come with much pressure.
Applying the 10-10-10 rule helps you think beyond the initial excitement and weigh how you’ll feel about the purchase after the excitement wears off. In 10 months, will it still feel worth it?
In 10 years, will this decision be something you look back on with pride or regret?
Making Business Decisions
Decisions like hiring a new team member, offering a contract, or launching a new product can have long-lasting consequences in business. The 10-10-10 rule helps you balance short-term goals with long-term strategy.
For instance, when hiring someone, consider how you’ll feel about your choice immediately, a few months later as you observe their fit within the team, and 10 years down the line when evaluating their overall contribution to the company.
Handling Difficult Conversations
Sometimes, we avoid tough conversations, whether it’s a performance review with an employee, a delicate discussion with a colleague, or a personal issue with a loved one.
The 10-10-10 rule can guide you in these situations by helping you realize that the discomfort you feel now will likely be replaced with relief or satisfaction in the future. Thinking about the long-term benefits of clearing the air or progressing on an issue can motivate you to move past the immediate anxiety.
Conclusion: The Ripple Effect of Thoughtful Decision-Making
While the 10-10-10 rule is a powerful tool for making more mindful choices, its true strength lies in fostering self-awareness.
As you practice applying this rule, you may notice patterns in your decision-making—whether you often prioritize short-term rewards or hesitate to consider long-term consequences.
Recognizing these tendencies can help you not only make better choices in the moment but also work on developing a more balanced approach to decision-making over time.
Additionally, the 10-10-10 rule can serve as a valuable teaching tool. Whether you’re mentoring a colleague, guiding a team, or helping a loved one through a tough choice, introducing this framework can empower others to think critically and act with greater intention.
It’s a ripple effect: by using this method yourself and sharing it with others, you contribute to creating a culture of thoughtful decision-making in your personal and professional circles.
So, the next time you’re faced with a decision, take a moment to pause and think it through. With the 10-10-10 rule as your guide, you’ll not only make choices that feel right today but also lay the foundation for a future aligned with your deepest values and aspirations.
Related: Powerful Decision-Making Quotes: Wisdom for Leaders and Doers
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