What is the 10-10-10 Method? Gen Z’s secret to manifesting and making life choices

In times of mental overload and emotional strain, the simple act of writing can become a profound form of self-discovery. From classic New Year’s resolutions to journaling our dreams and struggles, putting thoughts into words helps us gain perspective and identify what truly matters.

Writing can be a job, a hobby, or a way to stay organized, but for Gen Z, it has taken on a new role: a therapeutic practice. On TikTok, the 10-10-10 method has emerged as a viral ritual, encouraging thousands to start their mornings with intention and mindfulness.

© urbazon

What is the 10-10-10 method?

The practice is simple: every morning, write down three lists with ten items each, ten things you wish for, ten things you’re grateful for, and ten things you love. Some variations replace the last list with ten reasons you deserve your dreams or ten things you need to let go of.

The technique helps align your values with your intentions while cultivating a positive mindset. Gratitude brings you back to the present, recognizing what brings you joy; expressing your wishes activates purpose and focus.

© Vincent Besnault

A tool for decision-making

Beyond manifestation, the method also works as a decision-making tool. A second version of the technique invites you to ask yourself how a particular choice will feel in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years. This approach helps shift your perspective away from the urge for instant gratification.

Tony Espigares notes that “thinking about the consequences at 10 minutes, months, or years keeps us out of autopilot and allows us to see life more clearly. The human brain is wired to seek immediate pleasure and avoid pain, which can lead to impulsive decisions." 

"But when we pause and project ourselves into the future, we activate a more conscious, wise, and calm part of ourselves.” He adds that the benefits become more visible with consistency. “This practice opens the mind, reduces anxiety, and connects us to what really matters. It’s not just about crisis management, it’s emotional fitness.”

© Daniel de la Hoz

Write to manifest, choose with intention

Whether you're facing a personal dilemma or navigating everyday life, the 10-10-10 method encourages mindful decision-making. It’s not about choosing perfectly, it’s about choosing intentionally. Espigares explains that “writing the answers can help you take a step back and see whether you're acting out of fear, urgency, or from your most authentic self.”

He recommends a simple ritual to begin: pause, breathe deeply, place your hand on your heart, and ask how you’ll feel about this decision in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years. Writing down your reflections can provide clarity and distance.

For those who struggle with the practice, Espigares shares a personal strategy. “I imagine myself having coffee with Dom, a character I’ve created in my inner journey. He represents my future self, the wise one who has lived, loved, and honored what truly matters. When I have to make an important decision, I ask: Would Dom be proud of me? Am I choosing from love or survival? From my true self or from a role I’m playing?”

© Carlos Barquero

Other tools to support clarity

If the journaling method doesn’t resonate with you, there are other powerful tools. Meditation and conscious breathing can help silence mental chatter and tune into intuition. Visualizing different outcomes and noticing which one brings more inner peace is another way to guide yourself. Talking to someone you trust can offer a new perspective. Most importantly, learning to pause before reacting is key.

As Espigares puts it, “presence is the key to not reacting automatically. In the end, all good decisions begin when we honestly ask ourselves if they honor the life we want to create and the person we want to become.”