Susie Welch 10-10-10 Decision Framework

Break down complex choices using Susie Welch's 10-10-10 decision routine. Evaluate short, medium, and long-term consequences in a focused 30-minute session.

6 time blocks, 30 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Define the Decision Problem: 5 min
Write down the exact choice or dilemma in plain words
Identify Core Values: 5 min
List three to five core priorities that matter most to you
Evaluate 10-Minute Impact: 5 min
Note immediate feelings and initial reactions to each choice
Project 10-Month Impact: 5 min
Map out realistic medium term consequences and adjustments
Project 10-Year Impact: 5 min
Consider the decade scale influence on your life trajectory
Align and Decide: 5 min
Compare prospective outcomes against core values to choose

About this routine

Created by author and journalist Susie Welch, Susie Welch's 10-10-10 decision routine offers a structured method to evaluate major life choices without feeling overwhelmed by immediate emotion. The framework asks you to look at a decision through three distinct time windows: 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years from now.

By explicitly separating short term reactions from medium and long term consequences, the method reveals how temporary discomfort often obscures long term alignment. You begin by stating the problem clearly and noting your core values before working through the three time horizons.

This 30-minute workflow helps you replace anxious overthinking with systematic evaluation. You end the session with a clear decision grounded in your actual priorities rather than acute stress.

Why this routine works

Separates immediate emotional impulse from long term consequences
Clarifies personal values before evaluating choices
Reduces decision anxiety by structuring the thought process
Provides a concrete decision path in 30 minutes

FAQ

What is Susie Welch's 10-10-10 decision framework?

It is a decision-making method created by Susie Welch that evaluates the consequences of a choice across three timeframes: 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years.

How long does a 10-10-10 decision session take?

A typical structured session takes 30 minutes, allowing 5 minutes for each stage of problem definition, values clarification, time horizon analysis, and final alignment.

Why does the 10-10-10 framework work?

It separates short term emotional reactions from long term outcomes, helping you make choices that align with your core values instead of temporary feelings.

Sources

10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea by Susie Welch

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