The 7-Year Rule: An Instrument for Making Difficult Decisions

Life is a constant stream of choices.

Every day, we are faced with decisions, some trivial, others monumental. Some stand out as particularly challenging, like choosing between two important events. When confronted with such moments, I often turn to the Seven-Year Rule. It essentially involves reflecting on each option and asking myself: "Seven years from now, which event would I have regrets about missing?"

This strategy isn't about predicting the future with absolute certainty. Instead, it's about projecting ourselves into the future and attempting to gauge our long-term emotional responses. By focusing on a timeframe as long as seven years, we shift our perspective from immediate gratification to long-term value and satisfaction.

So, why seven years specifically? Firstly, it is a significant but relatable chunk of our lifetimes, long enough to lend perspective yet short enough to grasp. Quite simply, seven years is enough time to imagine who will still be part of your life and what things will really matter later. It allows us to visualize our not-so-distant selves. We can foresee the person we might become, the values we might hold, and the memories that will still have meaning.

­Secondly, the seven-year span encourages us to prioritize events that have lasting value over those that provide temporary pleasure or benefit. It helps us to consider the potential long-term emotional, professional, and personal impacts of our choices.

For instance, if you're torn between attending a friend's wedding or a key business opportunity, ask yourself which of these two you're likely to remember or value more in seven years. On a smaller scale, consider the investment in seven years of pending chores around the house or splashing around in the pool with your kids.

Like all decision-making tools, the Seven-Year Rule isn't without its limitations. It might not be applicable to every situation. Some decisions require immediate attention and rely on short-term outcomes. We may also struggle to see our future accurately because of past regret or disappointment. Humans are complicated creatures.

Submitting to God's perspective will help to uncomplicate matters. The Bible is a clarifying source of wisdom for our values. God's perspective will help you to build a filter for the Seven-Year Rule to work well in your life. My pastor, Zane Anderson, always said, "Your values determine your choices, and your choices determine your destiny."

It is important to remember that the Seven-Year Rule is not about living in regret. Regret is a negative emotion that often stems from a sense of loss or disappointment over what might have been. Instead, this rule is about proactive decision-making. It's about actively choosing the path that should lead to fewer regrets and greater joy.

The Seven-Year Rule is simply an instrument in our decision-making toolbox. It encourages us to assess our choices from a long-term perspective, focusing on what truly matters in the grand scheme of life. By asking ourselves which event we would most regret missing in seven years, we can more consistently steer our decisions towards experiences that offer enduring contentment.

So, the next time you're faced with a tough decision, give the Seven-Year Rule a try. Project ahead seven years and let your future self guide you towards the right choice. Remember, every decision is a step that shapes your life's story—make it one you'll be proud to have lived seven years from now, and ultimately on that day when you stand before your Creator.