The $287,000 Coffee Decision That Changed Everything

When Sarah walked into that coffee shop in 2019, she wasn’t planning to make a life-changing decision. She just wanted her usual latte. But as she stood in line, a “Help Wanted” sign caught her eye. In that moment, she faced a choice: stick with her safe corporate job or take a leap into the unknown world of coffee entrepreneurship. Today, her coffee chain is worth millions – all because she knew how to make a great decision.

We all face choices every day, from what to eat for breakfast to career-defining moments. While not every decision will lead to a coffee empire, mastering the art of decision-making can dramatically improve your life. Let’s explore three proven strategies to make better choices, backed by real-world examples.

1. Embrace the 10/10/10 Rule

When faced with a decision, ask yourself: How will I feel about this 10 minutes from now? 10 months from now? 10 years from now?

Take Alex, a software developer who was offered a job with a 30% pay cut but much better work-life balance. Using the 10/10/10 rule, he realized that while the next 10 minutes (and months) might be stressful financially, the 10-year outlook of having time for family, hobbies, and personal growth was priceless. Five years later, he’s founded his own company and has never looked back.

2. Create Your Personal Board of Directors

Your decisions don’t have to be made in isolation. Build a diverse group of 3-5 trusted advisors who bring different perspectives to the table.

Jennifer, a marketing executive, was struggling with a career transition. Her “board” – consisting of her mentor, a family member, a peer in a different industry, and a younger colleague – helped her see blind spots and opportunities she’d missed. Their combined wisdom led her to a role that aligned perfectly with her goals and values.

3. Use the Two-List Strategy

When facing a complex decision, make two lists: “Reasons For” and “Reasons Against.” But here’s the twist – limit each list to only three items. This forces you to distill your decision down to its core elements.

Mark used this when deciding whether to move across the country for a new opportunity. By limiting his lists to three items each, he cut through the noise and realized his decision hinged on personal growth versus comfort. He took the leap, and while challenging, it led to exponential career growth.

Don’t Just Decide – Take Action

Great decisions are nothing without action. Start applying these strategies today:

1. Pick one upcoming decision
2. Apply the 10/10/10 rule
3. Share your thought process with a trusted advisor
4. Make your two lists

Ready to level up your decision-making game? This is just the beginning. Subscribe to my blog for weekly insights on personal growth, leadership, and strategic thinking. Check out more articles and resources at kevincull.com, where we’re building a community of thoughtful decision-makers.

Remember, every great journey starts with a decision. Make yours count.