The 10-10-10 Rule: A Simple Tool for Better Daily Choices

The 10-10-10 Rule: A Simple Tool for Better Daily Choices

Introduction

Do you ever feel paralyzed by daily decisions? Whether it's replying to a message, making a purchase, or choosing what task to tackle next, small choices can consume big mental energy. That’s where the 10-10-10 Rule comes in. Created by Suzy Welch, this simple but powerful decision-making tool helps you evaluate choices through three future-focused timeframes: how will this decision affect you in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years? By stepping out of the immediate emotional moment, you unlock clarity, confidence, and better outcomes in every area of life.

What Is the 10-10-10 Rule?

The 10-10-10 Rule encourages you to ask:

• How will I feel about this decision 10 minutes from now?

• How about 10 months from now?

• And 10 years from now?

It’s not about predicting the future perfectly—it's about zooming out to gain perspective. This rule works for both big life choices and everyday decisions, making it a great tool for reducing decision fatigue and aligning your actions with your long-term values.

Why It Works for Productivity

• Reduces impulse decisions that often derail your focus.

• Builds self-awareness, encouraging values-based choices.

• Improves time management by helping you say no to what doesn’t matter long term.

• Creates emotional distance, reducing stress and regret.

Using the 10-10-10 Rule with Excel

You can bring this framework into your daily planning system using a simple spreadsheet:

• Column A: Describe the decision you're facing.

• Column B: How will you feel in 10 minutes?

• Column C: How will you feel in 10 months?

• Column D: How will you feel in 10 years?

• Column E: Final decision or action step.

Add conditional formatting to highlight patterns over time (e.g., green if the 10-month and 10-year reflections are positive). If you're already using a digital planner, integrate this logic into your daily task tracker.

Pair it with our Ultimate Printable Habit Tracker (23 Pages) to build consistent habits around better decision-making.

Micro-Decisions Matter More Than You Think

Not all decisions are life-changing, but they are life-shaping. Choosing to scroll instead of stretch, say yes when you mean no, or skip a priority task in favor of a quick dopamine hit can chip away at your long-term growth. Use the 10-10-10 lens to bring mindfulness into micro-moments.

Try inserting this into your daily Excel planner: next to each task, include a dropdown to rate its value using the 10-10-10 prompt. Over time, you’ll build a decision-making muscle that saves you hours and helps avoid regrets.

Looking for a tool that streamlines that process? Our Family Budget Planner (Spreadsheet) helps make smarter financial decisions—great for long-term clarity.

When to Use the 10-10-10 Rule

• Feeling overwhelmed with to-dos.

• Facing emotional or high-stakes decisions.

• Breaking bad habits or building new ones.

• Planning your week or month.

It’s especially helpful during weekly reviews or Sunday resets. Block 15 minutes to reflect on past decisions and how they aligned with your values. With consistency, you’ll develop sharper focus and stronger intuition.

Final Thoughts

The 10-10-10 Rule is a deceptively simple framework with powerful results. It takes less than 30 seconds to apply, yet the clarity it brings can impact every area of your productivity and well-being. When combined with planning tools like Excel or printable trackers, it becomes a repeatable, low-effort decision system. Stop making reactive choices—start making thoughtful, future-proof ones instead.