Only Decide When You Must—How the Six-Month Rule Builds Better Choices

Fabiana’s father made a habit of pausing before every big decision, famously suggesting, 'Try it for six months.' When Fabiana faced the choice to leave Argentina for study in the US, her world teetered between comfort and opportunity. At first, she resisted, clinging to her familiar surroundings and old ambitions. Her father offered a compromise: six months abroad before making a final decision.

The experience wasn’t smooth. Fabiana missed her family, stumbled through small everyday chores, and once panicked at a threatening phone message, only to discover it was a prank. Yet, as she pressed on, she gained new skills in independence, networking, and adaptation. In month four, she called her father: 'I want to see how this ends.' By the end, her perspective had radically shifted, and she’d carved out a new life and career.

Later, as a parent and leader, she applied the same rule—testing new jobs, pushing her children to try new schools, and advising colleagues to delay quitting in frustration. The six-month rule, rooted in behavioral science, capitalizes on giving the brain—and emotions—enough time to gather real feedback, offsetting both impulsive choices and chronic indecision. It forces deliberate patience, while still honoring the need to act if core values are violated.

Pick the one big decision that’s weighing on you and give yourself a true six-month trial period—no second-guessing, just collect actual experiences. Commit to logging what changes (and how you feel about it) every week, no matter how small or awkward. At the end, reread your entries, notice your emotional shifts and the evidence you’ve gathered, and only then make your decision. Let the six-month rule give you clarity without closing doors prematurely.