Hey Lykkers! Ever found yourself stuck in decision-making mode, scrolling through endless “what ifs” and feeling totally overwhelmed? I get it—it happens to all of us, especially at work when the pressure’s on and the stakes feel sky-high.

But what if I told you there’s a simple, super-effective trick that successful women (and honestly, anyone aiming to level up) swear by? It’s called the 10-10-10 rule, and it’s like having a mental superpower to make decisions faster, smarter, and with way less stress. Let me show you how it works and how you can use it to boss up your career and life.

1. What Is the 10-10-10 Rule?

The 10-10-10 rule is a genius decision-making hack created by author Suzy Welch. It’s about zooming out from the chaos of the moment and asking yourself: How will this decision affect me in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years?

It’s like hitting pause and looking at your choice through three lenses — immediate, medium, and long-term — so you can weigh what really matters instead of getting caught up in temporary emotions or pressure.

2. How Does the 10-10-10 Rule Work?

Imagine you’re about to say yes to an overwhelming project at work. You stop and think:

- In 10 minutes: Will I feel stressed or excited? Is this manageable right now?

- In 10 months: Will this project help me build skills, get noticed, or maybe burn me out?

- In 10 years: Will this decision shape my career path, open doors, or be totally irrelevant?

By looking at these different timeframes, you avoid knee-jerk reactions and focus on what really benefits you in the long run. Sometimes what feels urgent now won’t even matter a year from today—and sometimes those quick feelings hide a bigger opportunity.

3. How to Use the 10-10-10 Rule in the Workplace?

At work, you’re constantly juggling decisions, from big ones like changing jobs to smaller ones like how to respond to emails. Here’s how the 10-10-10 rule makes a difference:

- Taking on extra tasks? Ask yourself if it will help your career growth or just add stress.

- Negotiating a raise or promotion? Will this move change your financial future and professional standing?

- Handling conflict with a colleague? Will addressing it now save headaches later, or is it better to let it slide?

Using this method helps you prioritize, avoid burnout, and stay focused on decisions that truly matter.

4. How to Make Decisions Even When You’re Unsure?

Life is messy and full of uncertainty. The 10-10-10 rule shines here because it lets you make peace with not having all the answers. Instead of getting paralyzed by fear or rushing impulsively, this framework lets you weigh the possibilities thoughtfully. Many successful women credit this rule with giving them the courage to take risks and the clarity to bounce back when things don’t go as planned.

Bonus Tip: Make It Personal

Don’t just stick to the time frames—add your own twist. Maybe ask yourself:

- How will this affect my happiness or health?

- What’s the impact on my family or relationships?

- Does this align with my long-term dreams?

Customizing the 10-10-10 rule makes it even more powerful and relevant to your unique life.

Wrapping It Up

Decisions don’t have to drain your energy or keep you up at night. The 10-10-10 rule is a simple, practical way to cut through the noise and focus on what really counts. Whether you’re deciding on a new job, a project, or even a personal move, this rule helps you stay grounded and confident.

Need some real-life examples to get started? Just say the word—I’m here to help you make those tough calls with ease!