Need to make an important life decision? Use the 10-10-10 rule that successful people vouch for

Making difficult decisions can cause sleepless nights for even the most composed. But what if there was a method that not only calms emotions but also helps avoid life's mistakes? Experts have known for years that all you need to do is ask yourself three questions.

The 10-10-10 rule is a favorite tool of leaders, coaches, and all those who know that true power lies in reflection. It was created by Marcel Schwantes, an American speaker and business coach who has been teaching for two decades how to make decisions so that you don't have to regret them later. The method is trivially simple, yet surprisingly effective: before making an important choice, you should ask yourself three questions.

The 10-10-10 rule/photo Unsplash Glenn Carrie

"How will I feel about this decision in 10 minutes? In 10 months? In 10 years?" – these have the power to tear us away from the chaos of the present and move our thinking to a completely different level.

As Schwantes says:

- It's a mental journey into the future that helps you slow down, step outside the pressures of the moment, and consider the short-term and long-term consequences of your decisions.

What is the magic of the 10-10-10 rule? First of all, it allows us to look at the emotions that are currently ruling us from a distance. Fear, anger, uncertainty, and above all – fear of making a mistake, are the greatest saboteurs of sensible decisions.

Instead of acting impulsively, which often leads to poor decisions based on momentary relief or social approval, it is better to stop for a moment and... "think". Will I still stand behind this decision in ten years? Or will it turn out that I only chose momentary comfort?

The 10-10-10 rule is not a magic wand – it’s more of a compass that helps you stay on course. Its greatest power lies in encouraging introspection and asking yourself the most important question: “Am I doing this for myself or for others?” Because ultimately, we are the ones who suffer the consequences of our choices – not those who judge us today. And maturity begins when we have the courage to put our values ​​above the expectations of others. So before you reach another crossroads, give yourself 10 minutes.