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10-10-10 Rule

Consider how you'll feel about this decision in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years to gain perspective.

What decision are you considering?

⏰

10 Minutes From Now

Immediate emotional reaction

If I choose Option A

If I choose Option B

📅

10 Months From Now

Medium-term consequences and adaptation

If I choose Option A

If I choose Option B

🔮

10 Years From Now

Long-term impact and life satisfaction

If I choose Option A

If I choose Option B

Time Perspective Analysis

Perspective Summary

Fill in your thoughts for each time period to see the analysis...

Mastering the 10-10-10 Rule: A Comprehensive Guide

The "Why" Behind the Rule: Escaping the Emotional Short-Term

The 10-10-10 Rule, popularized by author Suzy Welch, is a powerful mental model designed to combat a fundamental human flaw: our tendency to let immediate emotions dictate our choices. Our brains are wired to prioritize short-term feelings (fear, excitement, comfort), often at the expense of our long-term goals and well-being. This tool forces a "time travel" of the imagination, giving your rational, future-focused self a voice in today's decisions.

A Deeper Dive: Step-by-Step Analysis

  1. The 10-Minute Frame: The Gut Check
    This is about immediate consequences. Don't just think "how will I feel?" Ask deeper questions: What is my instant emotional reaction? Relief? Anxiety? Will this decision create immediate conflict or harmony? This frame acknowledges the power of your gut feeling.
  2. The 10-Month Frame: The Reality Check
    This is where the practical, medium-term consequences emerge. How will this choice have impacted your daily life, finances, career, and relationships by then? Have the initial emotions faded, revealing the true benefits or drawbacks? This frame forces you to consider adaptation and real-world outcomes.
  3. The 10-Year Frame: The Legacy Check
    This is the long view. It connects the decision to your core values and life goals. Ask yourself: Will this decision contribute to the person I want to become? Will it align with my most important principles? Looking back, will I see this as a pivotal moment of wisdom or a cowardly compromise? This frame reveals what truly matters.

Pro-Tips for an Honest Analysis

  • Be Brutally Honest: This tool is for you. Don't write what you *think* you should feel; write what you genuinely would feel.
  • Consider All Stakeholders: How will your decision affect your family, colleagues, or future self? Include their perspectives in your analysis.
  • Define Your Core Values First: The 10-year perspective is most powerful when you know what you're aiming for. What principles are non-negotiable for you?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if I can't possibly know how I'll feel in 10 years?

The goal isn't to be a perfect psychic. It's about the *exercise* of trying to imagine that future self. The process itself reveals your core values and deepest hopes, which is more important than the accuracy of the prediction.

Is this tool just for huge, life-altering decisions?

No, it's scalable. While perfect for career or relationship choices, it's also incredibly effective for smaller, recurring decisions. Should I skip a workout? Should I make a critical comment in a meeting? Using the 10-10-10 framework on small things builds the habit of mindful decision-making.

What if the analysis shows a major conflict between the time frames?

This is a sign of a truly difficult decision, and it's where the tool is most valuable. It highlights a conflict between your short-term desires and long-term goals. The rule doesn't make the choice for you, but it illuminates the trade-offs with perfect clarity, empowering you to choose with open eyes.