When you have to make a hard decision, FLIP A COIN, Why? Because when the coin is in the air, you suddenly know what you are hoping for.
This mostly did not work for me and why it did not work was answered when I got my SEI assessment report by Six Seconds. There is one competency in that called, Apply Consequential Thinking, which means evaluating the costs and benefits of your choices. My score was coming in expert zone, which in a way means that I evaluate my choices and not jump into something. But the assessment asks an important question too, which is, ARE ANY STRENGTHS OVER USED?
I realised I overuse this competency and where there is spontaneity required, I miss the bus because of overthinking. Learning should lead to some action, so I keep looking for some tools to help me with decision making. While I was reading a book, I happen to see this technique, “10-10-10” by Suzy Welch. The process is clear, straightforward, and transparent. When you’re facing a dilemma, all it takes to begin are three questions:
What are the consequences of my decision in 10 minutes?
In 10 months?
And in 10 years?
The way the brain works, your decisions are rooted in feelings and the long-term considerations should help in making those clear. Welch says that with the answers, you will figure out if the decision is aligned with your priorities, or maybe even discover your priorities in the process.
One dedicated 10-10-10 practitioner, I read calls it “a road map for clarity and courage,”
I am applying this in all my roles, if you want you can try too…..