How to live life by the 10s

With the way life throws curve balls left, right and centre, Suzy Welch’s 10-10-10 rule were designed to help even the worst overthinkers make better decisions.

Many of us have made decisions that we regret, whether it be a couple of minutes, a few days, weeks, months or years later. Making decisions are hard, and sometimes we feel we absolutely need to give something up to get the best result. With the way life throws curve balls left, right and centre, Suzy Welch’s 10-10-10 rule were designed to help even the worst overthinkers make better decisions.

1

WHAT IS IT EXACTLY?

“This process focuses on how you will feel about your decision in the next 10 minutes, 10 months or 10 years and what the consequences of that decision will be,” explains Debbie Hartmann, transformational relationship and teen coach at My Kinda Life Coaching (mykindalife.co.za). It can be used for anything, from deciding whether to eat a piece of cake or move to a new home. 

2

WHO DOES IT APPLY TO?

Debbie explains that it’s helpful for those who make decisions based on their current emotional state, often without considering the consequences. “It will allow them time to consider the impact of their choice on their future.” Compared to other strategies like the Covey Time Management Matrix, which focuses on immediate decisions and their level of importance, it focuses on long-term effects.  

The 10-10-10 rule is for those of us who strongly believe that our values come first and that our decisions should be based on these values “while considering their consequences in [the] future” says Debbie. 

3

HOW TO USE THIS TECHNIQUE

People who have found the technique useful have often asked why it works so well. To this, Suzy replied: “It helps you come to terms with what really matters to you.” First, you need to figure out your values and then consider the influence of a choice in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years.   

If you’re facing a massive decision, draw a simple chart: three columns for each of the 10s, one column for the problem, and two additional rows for “If I proceed with” and “If I don’t proceed with”. Remember to always put your values first for the best outcome. 

4

YOUR CAREER IN 10s

We can all attest to the difference between our ‘home’ selves, and our ‘work’ selves. We’re different people because we have different choices to make. The 10-10-10 rule in a business setting is effective because those decisions may have a significant impact on your life, especially if you feel ‘stuck’ in a job.  

As Debbie explains, if you’re working overtime, your family may be upset for 10 minutes, but think about the possible promotion in 10 months and where you could be in 10 years. Even staying in or leaving a relationship, spending time with family when you have work to do or going on a night out instead of watching TV can have an impact. 

5

THE END GOAL

Coming to a decision can be tough, especially when we’re trying to juggle life and keep everyone happy. The 10-10-10 method was created to help you evaluate your own values and ensure you consider all the possible outcomes when facing a problem.  

“This method helps you to not make hasty or emotional decisions in the moment, but rather lets you take your time to consider the consequences of each decision. Life is all about decisions, so make the right ones!”, explains Debbie. Remember that while planning is important, sometimes life has other plans. Be flexible, patient, and most of all resilient. 

6

SUZY WELCH’S 3 QUESTIONS TO GET YOU CLOSER TO YOUR VALUES

1. On your 75th birthday, what would make you cry from regret? 
2. What do you want people to say and remember about you when you’re not in the room? 
3. What did you love and hate about your childhood?