DECISION FATIGUE: WHY TOO MANY CHOICES ARE DRAINING YOUR BRAIN AND HOW TO TAKE BACK CONTROL
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Did you know decision fatigue is a real thing? It’s like a sneaky thief, quietly draining your energy, productivity, and even happiness. I’m excited to dive into this fascinating and crucial topic—what it is, why it happens, and how you can overcome it to thrive!
The Overwhelming Number of Choices We Make Daily
Research suggests that the average person makes a staggering 35,000 decisions every single day. That’s about 2,000 decisions per hour if you’re awake for 17 hours! From the moment you wake up—deciding whether to hit snooze, what to wear, what to eat, which emails to respond to first—your brain is constantly working.
It’s no wonder that by the end of the day, you feel mentally drained. This is decision fatigue in action. It’s the reason why your willpower wanes as the day progresses, leading to poor decisions like skipping the gym, eating junk food, or snapping at loved ones.
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My Personal Experience with Decision Fatigue
As a recovering perfectionist and serial entrepreneur, I’ve always had a full plate—managing businesses, family, social commitments, and my own personal growth. I remember one evening standing in my kitchen after a long day, completely unable to decide what to eat. My mind was blank, and I felt paralyzed. That’s when I realized my brain had hit its limit.
It wasn’t until I read Dave Asprey’s Game Changers that I learned about decision fatigue and how it affects us all. This realization was a game-changer for me, and I began implementing strategies to reduce the number of decisions I had to make daily.
The Science Behind Decision Fatigue
Decision fatigue is described as a cognitive shortcut that causes irrational trade-offs in decision-making. Essentially, the more decisions you make throughout the day, the harder it becomes for your brain to make good ones. This mental exhaustion leads to shortcuts, procrastination, or defaulting to poor choices.
One famous study conducted in Israel in 2010 highlights this phenomenon. Researchers analyzed over 1,000 parole hearings and found that judges were more likely to grant parole earlier in the day. As the day progressed and decision fatigue set in, the likelihood of parole approvals dropped significantly. This study underscores how decision fatigue can affect even the most rational and intelligent individuals.
Decision Fatigue
The average person makes 35,000 decisions every day.
Why Decision Fatigue Happens
Our modern world is filled with endless choices, from what to watch on Netflix to which emails to prioritize. Notifications, interruptions, and the constant need to make decisions test our mental capacity. Over time, this leads to mental exhaustion, making it harder to focus on what truly matters.
Even high achievers like Barack Obama, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg recognized the toll of decision fatigue. They famously simplified their wardrobes to reduce the number of daily decisions, allowing them to focus on more important matters.
The Impact of Decision Fatigue
Decision fatigue doesn’t just affect your productivity; it can also impact your health, relationships, and overall well-being. Poor decisions often happen in the afternoon or evening when your mental reserves are depleted. This is why arguments, unhealthy snacking, and skipped workouts tend to occur later in the day.
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How to Conquer Decision Fatigue
The good news is that decision fatigue is manageable. Here are some strategies to help you take back control:
1. Set a “Decision Budget”
Tony Stubblebine, CEO of Coach.me, suggests setting a daily “decision budget.” Treat your decisions like a finite resource and spend them wisely. Prioritize important decisions in the morning when your mental energy is at its peak, and avoid wasting energy on trivial choices.
2. Automate Your Life
Simplify your daily routines to reduce decision-making. Here’s how:
Meals: Create a monthly meal plan with a shopping list. Decide in advance which days you’ll shop for groceries.
Wardrobe: Plan your outfits for the week or month to eliminate daily clothing decisions.
Exercise: Schedule your workouts in advance and stick to a routine.
3. Fuel Your Brain
Your brain relies on glucose or ketones for energy. Low blood sugar can exacerbate decision fatigue, so make sure to eat balanced meals and healthy snacks throughout the day. Avoid making important decisions when you’re hungry.
4. Take Breaks
Regular breaks throughout the day can help reset your mental energy. Even a short walk or a few minutes of mindfulness can make a big difference.
5. Delegate and Outsource
You don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks at work and home, and consider hiring a performance coach to help you identify areas where you’re wasting energy.
6. Make Decisions in Advance
Batch similar decisions together and make them in advance. For example, plan your weekly schedule on Sunday or decide on your priorities for the next day before going to bed.
7. Focus on What Matters
Identify your top priorities and focus your energy on decisions that align with your goals. Let go of perfectionism and learn to say no to things that don’t serve your purpose.
Decision Fatigue is manageable
Decision fatigue is a silent but powerful force that affects us all.
The Power of Proactive Decision-Making
By implementing these strategies, you can free up mental space for what truly matters—your health, relationships, and personal growth. Decision fatigue doesn’t have to control your life. With a little planning and intentionality, you can take back control and make better choices.
Decision fatigue is a silent but powerful force that affects us all. By understanding its impact and taking proactive steps to reduce unnecessary decisions, you can optimize your life and unlock your full potential.
