The 10 10 10 Rule

I’m going to pass a piece of wisdom along to you that was shared with me by a client (thanks Jenny!)  It’s called the 10/10/10 rule and was invented by HBR editor Suzy Welch.

It’s  a simple rule to employ when making large or small decisions.

Here’s how it works

Ask yourself how you will feel about a decision in 10 minutes, then in 10 months, then in 10 years.

Let’s test drive it:

1. Should I eat the cheesecake?
   10 minutes: I’ll feel great
   10 months: I’ll still be fat
   10 years: I may have long term health complications
2. Should I save/invest 10% of my income?
   10 minutes: I’ll feel bad. I won’t be able to drive the car I would like to lease
   10 months: I’ll feel better because I’ll have a cushion for emergencies
   10 years: I’ll feel great knowing that my future is being taken care of and I’m not worried about it
   
3. Should I work instead of taking my planned day with the family?
   10 minutes: I’ll feel bad. I won’t be able to drive the car I would like to lease
   10 months: I’ll feel better because I’ll have a cushion for emergencies
   10 years: I’ll feel great knowing that my future is being taken care of and I’m not worried about it
   

You get the idea.  Try using the 10/10/10 rule as you pursue your goals this year.