#28 - Simplify Your Decisions

By Armaan Athwal

Today's Overview:

• Navigating decisions with the 10-10-10 rule

• Impulse to insight

• Quote of the day

Navigating Decisions

It's all too easy to feel lost and uncertain about which direction to take or what actions to prioritize, especially when you're striving to be productive. That's where the 10-10-10 rule comes in. This rule is a simple yet powerful framework to help guide your decision-making process.

So, what exactly is the 10-10-10 rule? It's a framework that encourages you to evaluate your choices by considering their impact in three different time frames: 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years. By asking yourself how a decision will affect you in the immediate future, the mid-term, and the long-term, you gain a clearer perspective on its true significance.

Imagine you're faced with a tough decision at work. Maybe it's about whether to take on a new project, leave your current job, or even something as seemingly trivial as how to respond to a challenging email. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the immediacy of the situation, pause for a moment and apply the 10-10-10 rule.

First, ask yourself, "How will I feel about this decision 10 minutes from now?" This helps you address your immediate emotional response. Will you feel relieved, stressed, excited, or anxious? Understanding this can help you recognize any immediate biases or pressures influencing your choice.

Next, consider, "How will I feel about this decision 10 months from now?" This step allows you to evaluate the medium-term consequences. Will this choice contribute positively to your goals? Will it cause any significant disruptions in your life or career? Reflecting on this time frame helps you think beyond the immediate repercussions and consider the broader impact.

Finally, think about, "How will I feel about this decision 10 years from now?" This long-term perspective pushes you to evaluate the lasting effects of your decision. Will you look back and see this as a pivotal moment that shaped your future for the better, or will it be a source of regret? This step encourages you to align your choices with your core values and long-term aspirations.

The beauty of the 10-10-10 rule lies in its simplicity and versatility. It's not just for major life decisions; it can be applied to everyday choices as well. Whether you're deciding what projects to prioritize, how to handle conflicts, or even how to spend your free time, this rule can provide clarity and confidence.

This approach reminds you to step back, breathe, and consider the bigger picture.

Impulse to Insight

You know that uncomfortable feeling when you’re torn between two conflicting beliefs or values? That’s cognitive dissonance. The 10-10-10 rule is like a remedy for this mental discomfort. By breaking down the impact of a decision into three time frames—10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years—you can align your actions with your long-term goals and values. This structured approach helps you move past those short-term impulses that often create inner conflict, leading you to decisions that truly resonate with what you want in the long run.

We've all made decisions in the heat of the moment that we later regretted. Emotional regulation is about managing your emotional responses to make better decisions. This rule gives you a framework to pause and reflect, which helps regulate those immediate emotional reactions. By considering how you’ll feel about a decision in different time frames, you can step back from the intensity of the moment and make more rational, balanced choices that you’ll be happy with later on.

Ever feel completely drained after making too many decisions, to the point where even simple choices feel overwhelming? This is where decision fatigue sets in. The 10-10-10 rule can help here, too. By providing a clear, straightforward method to evaluate your options, it reduces the mental load associated with decision-making. This is especially helpful in high-stakes or stressful situations. By simplifying the process, the 10-10-10 rule helps you make more consistent, high-quality decisions without burning out.

Quote of the Day

“Decision making is easy when your values are clear.” - Roy Disney

A lot of times decisions made in the moment can lack clarity, but by considering 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years from now, you can align your values with your decisions making it easier.