The 10–10–10 decision-making rule
July is the peak period of writing my thesis. I plan to complete everything by mid-August so I can find a new place to live without being homeless (my current contract ends in late August), focus on job hunting and travel around.
Nonetheless, in early July I spotted an opportunity to network and to learn but I have to contribute five full-day to attend a class in late July. I talked with my supervisor and he thought it is a risky decision due to limited time.
I was kind of discouraged. This is the time threw the 10–10–10 rule and asked: What are the consequences of my decision in 10 minutes? In 10 months? And in 10 years?
It sounds silly from outsider’s point of view — it’s just a five-day course! For me, giving up 40+ hours can severely delay my data collection process and I can potentially end up not completing my thesis on time, which is terrible.
If I forgot about the application and continue my writing, I won’t regret in 10 minutes as the thesis is my top priority.
How about in 10 months? 10 years? Well, I think the grades of my thesis won’t be that important as I should have a job already. However, the learning experience and the people I met in class could be a lifetime asset.
I finally made up my mind to complete the application. Weeks later I am fortunate to get admitted. I made detailed schedules to make sure I can have at least 1–2 hours to work on my thesis after the whole-day class. I also asked the organiser if I can skip one morning class as I have to interview someone for data collection.
Things went well. I was able to meet a brunch of Masters and PhD students in politics, engineering and business background around the world. I also learnt from amazing speakers from Imperial College London, International Financial Institutions, Carbon Tracker and more.
Photo Credit to ASI
The most surprising of all is meeting John Elkington, who coined the concept of “Triple Bottom Line”. His publications are one of the reasons I become passionate about corporate sustainability. I never imagine I can hear his speech, not to mention talking with him in person!
Photo Credit to ASI
Despite it was a stressful week, I cannot be more grateful that I have made this decision.
So enough writing, it’s time to work on my thesis now.
More info:
The 10–10–10 decision-making rule by Suzy Welch
The rule sounds lame, but it helps me to think logically and make decisions based on my values. I highly recommend you to watch the below video from Suzy Welch and see if this can be one of your decision-making tools.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW9QqH8RXCo
ASI-Imperial Transitions Masterclass
The course I have attended, which is co-organised by Academy for Sustainable Innovation and Imperial College London.
https://sustainableinnovation.academy/transitions-masterclass/
“25 Years Ago I Coined the Phrase “Triple Bottom Line.” Here’s Why It’s Time to Rethink It”
John Elkington has explained why he wrote this article and “recall” the “Triple Bottom Line”, which is worth reading.
https://hbr.org/2018/06/25-years-ago-i-coined-the-phrase-triple-bottom-line-heres-why-im-giving-up-on-it
