The 10-10-10 Rule for Decisions

What is The 10-10-10 Rule for Decisions?

When facing a difficult decision, ask: 'How will I feel about this in 10 minutes? In 10 months? In 10 years?' This simple framework cuts through emotional noise and reveals which decisions actually matter. Most anxious decisions don't pass the 10-month test.

Is there evidence for it?

How do you do The 10-10-10 Rule for Decisions?

1. 1.When stuck on a decision, pause and ask three questions in order:
2. 2.10 minutes: 'How will I feel about this choice 10 minutes from now?' This captures your immediate emotional reaction — often fear or discomfort
3. 3.10 months: 'How will I feel 10 months from now?' This accesses your rational self. Most short-term pain is forgotten by 10 months. Most short-term pleasures are too
4. 4.10 years: 'How will I feel 10 years from now?' This reveals what actually matters. Will you regret NOT doing this more than doing it?
5. 5.The pattern: if all three time horizons say 'go for it' — do it immediately. If 10-minutes says 'scary' but 10-months and 10-years say 'worth it' — do it anyway. Fear of short-term discomfort is the #1 killer of good decisions

How long does it take?

1-2 minutes per decision.

Is it hard to start?

easy.

> how Shift handles procrastination

This is one entry from the library Shift matches against. It is general information, not advice about you, and nothing on this page came from anyone's conversation.