What is the 10-10-10 rule for decision making?

The 10-10-10 rule is a decision-making framework that asks you to consider how you'll feel about a choice in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years. It was popularized by Suzy Welch in her book "10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea." The method helps you move past immediate emotions to see the bigger picture of your decisions.

Who invented the 10-10-10 method?

The 10-10-10 method was created and popularized by Suzy Welch, business writer and former editor of the Harvard Business Review. She introduced the framework in her 2009 book "10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea" as a way to make clearer decisions by examining short, medium, and long-term consequences.

How do I use the 10-10-10 decision making tool?

Using the 10-10-10 tool is simple: 1) Enter your two options (A and B), 2) For each option, write how you'll feel in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years, 3) Review your answers in the matrix view, 4) The 10-year answers usually reveal what truly matters. Optional: Use the coin flip to test your gut reaction.

Is the 10-10-10 decision maker free?

Yes, the 10-10-10 Decision Maker is 100% free with no signup required. All your data stays in your browser - nothing is sent to any server. You can use all features including the decision matrix, coin flip, frameworks, sharing, and export without paying anything.

Is my data private when using this decision tool?

Yes, completely. The 10-10-10 Decision Maker runs entirely in your browser. Your decisions are saved to your browser's local storage only - no data is ever sent to any server. When you share a decision, the data is encoded in the URL itself, not stored anywhere. You can delete all history with one click.

What is the coin flip psychology trick?

The coin flip trick works because your emotional reaction to the result reveals your true preference. When the coin lands, notice if you feel relieved or disappointed. If disappointed, you wanted the other option - that's your answer. The coin doesn't decide for you; it shows you what you already know.

Can I use 10-10-10 for career decisions?

Absolutely. The 10-10-10 method is excellent for career decisions like quitting a job, accepting a job offer, asking for a raise, or changing careers. It helps you see past the immediate fear or excitement to understand the long-term impact on your career trajectory and life satisfaction.

What if both options seem equal after 10-10-10?

If both options seem equal after completing the 10-10-10 matrix, that's actually good news - it means neither choice is wrong. In this case, try the additional frameworks like The Regret Test, Fear vs Regret Scale, or Advice to a Friend. You can also use the coin flip to test your gut reaction.

Can I save and come back to my decision later?

Yes! The tool automatically saves your work to your browser as you type. Your past decisions are stored in the History panel and can be revisited anytime. After 30 days, you'll get a prompt to reflect on how your decision worked out.

How is 10-10-10 different from a pros and cons list?

Pros and cons lists focus on listing factors but don't weight them by importance or time. The 10-10-10 method forces you to think about emotional and practical impact across three time horizons. This often reveals that what feels urgent now (10 minutes) becomes irrelevant compared to what matters long-term (10 years).