Have you heard about the 10-10-10 rule?

When I was first introduced to this concept it was in the context of a decision-making 'hack.'

Here's how it works:

Whenever you've got a challenging decision to make, you consider how you'll feel about each option in the next 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years.

This can be helpful because it accomplishes two things:

1. It helps you understand how the outcome of the decision you're making will impact your short and long-term future. As a result, this may change your consideration of the various options available to you.
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2. It puts that decision into broader context. While something you're struggling with in the moment may seem monumental, when you consider your feelings about it down the road it may not seem as important or life-altering as you originally thought. Goodbye pressure and anxiety!

In all honesty, this type of framework can be helpful, especially if you're really grappling with what seems like a tough choice or a big decision. Or you're worried you'll come to regret a choice you've made.

Recently, I heard about another 10-10-10 rule that relates to first impressions and impact.

In this case, the 10s refer to 10 feet, 10 inches, and 10 words.

Here's the idea:

• 10 feet — At that distance, what assumptions and judgments are people making about you? Are you supplying them with the right information to see you the way you want to be seen? Do you appear to be someone they want to meet, listen to, learn from, etc.?
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• 10 inches — At this distance, people are focused on your body language and facial expressions. So, what are you tacitly communicating? Do they see your openness, confidence, interest, etc.?
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• 10 words — What are the first 10 words you say to someone you've just met and do they have the kind of impact you're looking to make? How well do they establish rapport and trust? How successfully do they enhance the impression you've already made at 10 feet and 10 inches?

This framework is helpful not just for networking (or, ahem, dating), but for sales meetings, presentations, speaking engagements, and more.

I recently met with someone on Zoom I'd been virtually introduced to via LinkedIn message. I thought about what my Zoom & LinkedIn photos say about me (my 10 feet), what my background, live Zoom presence, and display name convey (my 10 inches), and how I might set the tone with my initial comments of welcome (my 10 words).

For what it's worth, I found it a helpful exercise, and one that I'd employ again.

How about you?

Do you regularly use either of these approaches or maybe some other framework? If so, I'd love to hear about which one and how it helps you.

Drop me a line and let me know.

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Until next week,

PS - Need some business advice or therapy, schedule a session with me.

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PPS - In case you missed it, last week I had my Mind Blown.

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