10-10-10 Decision Framework (Suzy Welch)

A temporal perspective-shifting protocol for making decisions when you feel stuck or emotionally overwhelmed. The three steps: (1) Ask: 'How will I feel about this decision 10 MINUTES from now?' — captures the immediate emotional reaction (relief, anxiety, excitement). (2) Ask: 'How will I feel about this decision 10 MONTHS from now?' — captures the medium-term practical consequences (career impact, relationship effects, financial reality). (3) Ask: 'How will I feel about this decision 10 YEARS from now?' — captures the long-term life-narrative significance (what kind of life am I building?). The protocol works by forcing you to separate short-term emotional impulses from long-term values. When all three timeframes align, decide confidently. When they conflict, use the longest timeframe as the tiebreaker — your 10-year self has the clearest view of what actually matters.

When to use it

When you're stuck between competing options and emotional noise is clouding your judgment. Career decisions (take the job or stay?), relationship decisions (have the hard conversation or avoid it?), financial decisions (spend or save?), health decisions (start the habit or postpone?). Any decision where you keep going back and forth.

How it can help

Provides an instant antidote to decision paralysis caused by emotional overwhelm. Takes less than five minutes and requires no preparation, tools, or other people. The 10-year question consistently surfaces values that get buried under immediate pressures. Particularly powerful for decisions where fear of short-term discomfort is preventing long-term beneficial action (leaving a bad job, ending a toxic relationship, starting something new).