Ever faced a decision that left you paralyzed, second-guessing every possible outcome? We’ve all been there. Decisions, especially those deeply tied to our lives, careers, or relationships, can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, there’s a practical, insightful strategy you can apply: the 10-10-10 rule. Let’s dive into what it is and how Black women, in particular, can harness its power to navigate life’s pivotal moments with clarity and confidence.
What is the 10-10-10 Rule?
Created by author Suzy Welch, Created by author Suzy Welch in her book “10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea”, this rule helps you assess decisions by considering their consequences in three distinct time frames:
- How will I feel about this decision in 10 minutes?
- How about 10 months from now?
- What about 10 years into the future?
This simple yet powerful framework enables you to view your choices from immediate, mid-term, and long-term perspectives, helping eliminate emotional bias or impulsive reactions.
Why is the 10-10-10 Rule Especially Powerful for Black Women?
As Black women, our decisions often carry deeper layers. Cultural expectations, professional pressures, family dynamics, and societal judgments add complex dimensions to our choices. The 10-10-10 rule empowers us to step back and evaluate decisions clearly, giving us control over our lives amidst external influences.
Applying the 10-10-10 Rule in Everyday Life
1. Career Moves:
Thinking about accepting a promotion or changing careers? Pause and reflect:
- In 10 minutes, you’ll feel excited or anxious.
- In 10 months, you might be adjusting to new responsibilities or thriving in your role.
- In 10 years, you could be significantly advanced professionally or reflecting positively on the skills you gained.
Consider additional factors like work-life balance, job satisfaction, and potential for personal growth, ensuring the decision aligns with your long-term career vision.
2. Relationships:
Considering ending or starting a relationship?
- In 10 minutes, you might experience immediate relief or uncertainty.
- In 10 months, clarity about your emotional well-being typically emerges.
- In 10 years, you might clearly see how this decision shaped your personal growth and happiness.
Reflect on core values and compatibility in each scenario, understanding how these alignments affect your long-term fulfillment and emotional health.
3. Financial Choices:
Weighing an investment, a big purchase, or a major expense?
- In 10 minutes, you may feel instant gratification or doubt.
- In 10 months, the impact on your financial stability becomes apparent.
- In 10 years, the decision could profoundly affect your financial freedom and quality of life.
Evaluate practical implications such as debt management, savings goals, and financial independence to make financially sound decisions.
Making the Most Out of the 10-10-10 Rule
Reflect Honestly
According to psychological research, complete honesty with yourself is crucial for effective decision-making. Experts such as Dr. Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate in psychology and author of “Thinking, Fast and Slow”, advocates for visualization techniques to vividly imagine future outcomes. This practice can significantly clarify your true emotions and motivations, helping you achieve better, more intentional decisions. rule to be effective, complete honesty with yourself is crucial. Psychology experts emphasize visualization techniques to vividly imagine future states, which can reveal your true feelings and motivations clearly.
Write It Down
Journaling your responses can provide additional clarity. Seeing your thoughts on paper can often highlight your subconscious priorities and concerns. This practice is endorsed by experts as a method to enhance self-awareness and facilitate decision-making.
Discuss with Trusted Friends and Networks
Engaging with trusted friends, mentors, or community groups, such as Black Women Connect in Toronto (visit here), professional Black women’s networks such as Black Women of Influence in New York, or local sorority chapters, can offer culturally relevant insights and shared experiences. Their perspectives, rooted in lived experiences similar to yours, can guide you toward more informed and resonant decisions. Networks
Engaging with trusted friends, mentors, or community groups, especially those within Black women’s networks, can offer culturally relevant insights and shared experiences. Their perspectives can guide you toward better-informed decisions.
Embracing Decision-Making as a Power Move
Using the 10-10-10 rule doesn’t just simplify decisions—it amplifies your power and self-awareness. For Black women, consistently practicing intentional decision-making helps break generational patterns, establishes clear boundaries, and reinforces your personal and professional integrity.
Every choice you make shapes your narrative. Equip yourself with the 10-10-10 rule and confidently craft the life story you deserve, one thoughtful decision at a time.
Ready to test it out? Try applying the 10-10-10 rule to a current decision in your life and see how it transforms your approach.
