Using 10-10-10 rule to make better Decisions!
Hey Friends,
Recently I learnt this technique from Ali Abdaal which is helping me to make thoughtful decisions.
Every day, we spend a lot of time making decisions, what should I wear today? Do I cook food or order from Swiggy? Should I say yes to the new project? Should I ask her out? Should I order from Amazon or buy it locally? Should I highlight my concern to Manager? Should I eat veg or a non-veg dish? Should I ask for a promotion? Should I go for a Petrol or Diesel or EV variant car? Should I continue to stay in a rented house or should I plan to buy a new house?
From very small decisions to the bigger ones, we tend to pick one option over the other, depending on our Priorities which will eventually define our Lifestyle.
But how to make sure we are making the right decisions?
Let’s visit the 10–10-10 Principle, it is a strategic approach which involves looking at the impact of our decisions over different time horizons. It will help us proceed with complexities of life with clarity and confidence.This approach offers a simple and straightforward method to make right decisions!
The rule follows a simple framework:
Before you make any decision, ask yourself three questions:
1. How will I feel about this decision 10 minutes from now?
2. What about 10 months from now?
3. And crucially, how will I feel about it 10 years from now?
By letting our perspective to adopt these different time horizons, we engage with future versions of ourselves, aligning our current choices with our long term aspirations and values!
Applying the 10-10-10 Rule (below example is quoted by Ali abdaal)
For example, let’s say your boss wants you to run a meeting for the company’s executives the same day your son graduates. You’re struggling to make the decision, so you decide to apply the 10-10-10 Rule:
– 10 minutes from now: No matter what I choose, I’ll probably feel pretty bad. My son worked hard for four years to graduate, and he really wants me there. But if I go, I know my boss won’t be happy.
– 10 months from now: If I go to the meeting, I’ll make it up to my son by being super supportive afterward. If I go to his graduation, I’ll probably overcompensate at work, trying to make things right with my boss.
– 10 years from now: Even though my son will have moved on and my career may have progressed, I’ll always regret missing his big day. It’s a tough choice, balancing family and work, but I know deep down that skipping his graduation for my job will haunt me forever.
The Power of Perspective
It will help us understand that each scenario is having long term consequences that we need to deal with and it will allow us to separate the immediate pressure when making a decision!
After all, the choices we make today shape the person we become in the future. Whether we strive for greater wealth, wisdom, success, health, or generosity, we can apply the 10-10-10 Rule to all our choices.
Because who we will be ten years from now starts with what we decide and do today and every day from now on.
Making It a Habit
By Integrating the 10-10-10 Rule into our decision-making process, we can transform how we take decisions regarding life choices and everyday dilemmas.
Here are some tips to make it a habit:
1. Pause and Reflect: When making a decision, we can take a moment to reflect on the three time horizons which will help us clear our mind and reduce the influence of immediate emotions.
2. Write It Down: Sometimes, writing down our thoughts for each time frame can clarify our feelings and priorities. Seeing our options on paper can provide a clear picture of the potential outcomes.
3. Seek Input: Discussing our decision with a trusted friend or a family member can provide additional perspectives. They can help us weigh the pros and cons for each time frame, which we might have not considered.
Like any new habit, the more we practice the 10-10-10 Rule, the more intuitive it will become.
So next time you face a dilemma, pause and ask yourself: How will I feel about this decision 10 minutes from now? 10 months from now? And 10 years from now? Your future self will thank you!
Hope you enjoyed reading this. Thank you.
Until next time, keep believing and stay positive!
Quote of the week 💬
“If you accomplish something good with hard work, the labor passes quickly, but the good endures; if you do something shameful in pursuit of pleasure, the pleasure passes quickly, but the shame endures.” – Musonius Rufus
Learning of the Week 📝
Insightful learning from this video from Mahatria!
Book/Blog I am reading currently: 📚
I revisited the book – The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DEMARCO
I read this book last year, many of my perspectives towards money, business and life got changed from this book, it has got life changing lessons!
This week I revisited a few chapters and felt newly inspired, particularly regarding the power of entrepreneurship and the importance of leveraging time to create wealth.
Read First 5 chapters for free here.
My Week in Pictures! 📸
In this section, I share my week in pictures, for those who prefer pictures over text.
I view this part as a combination of journaling and a visual diary of my personal experiences. My days often follow a repetitive pattern, yet each experience brings a unique perspective.
To a good workout week!
Believe me these are no filter pictures – Nature is so graceful!
Happy me in the middle of nature – No better way to Recharge than outside!
Weekend Escape – Temple Run!
mmmmmhhhhhhhh!!!!!!😋
Learn English in just 5 days – if not, Money Back guarantee itseems – HAHA
what she might be thinking????
Three Musketeers on the top!
Aesthetic Enough – Venugopalaswamy Temple!
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