Decision Fatigue

We all know what it feels like to be worn out at the end of a long day when there were just too many decisions that needed to be made. Maybe you've been trying to figure out what to wear, what to eat, which route to take to work, and whether or not to buy that fancy new gadget you've had your eye on. It can be exhausting, and that's because we all experience something called decision fatigue.

Decision fatigue is the phenomenon that occurs when we become mentally fatigued from making too many decisions throughout the day. It's like our brains get tired of weighing options, considering consequences, and trying to make the "right" choice.

The problem with decision fatigue is that it can lead to poor decision-making, impulsivity, and even decision avoidance. And let's face it, none of us wants to make bad decisions or miss out on opportunities because we're too tired to think clearly.

So, here are a few tips on how can we combat decision fatigue:

Limit your choices: When you're faced with too many options, it's easy to get overwhelmed. So, try to limit your choices whenever possible. For example, instead of trying to choose from half a dozen menu choices, narrow it down to three or four that sound appealing.

Take breaks: Give your brain a rest by taking breaks throughout the day. Go for a walk, meditate, or just sit quietly for a few minutes. This can help you recharge and make better decisions.

Automate decisions: If there are certain decisions you have to make every day, consider automating them. For example, plan your meals for the week ahead of time so you don't have to decide what to eat each day.

Prioritise decisions: Some decisions are more important than others, so prioritise accordingly. If you have a big decision to make, try to tackle it earlier in the day when your brain is fresh.

Remember, decision fatigue is a real thing, but it doesn't have to control your life. By being mindful of your decision-making habits and taking steps to combat decision fatigue, you can make better choices and feel more in control of your life.

So, go ahead and give yourself a break. After all, we are all imperfect and are wired for struggle, thanks to the survival wiring in our brains!  

There are actually quite a few famous people who have been known to avoid decision fatigue by streamlining their daily routines and limiting their choices. Here are a few examples that show that decision fatigue can affect anyone, even the most successful and accomplished individuals. By streamlining their routines and limiting their choices, these famous people were able to conserve their mental energy and focus on more important tasks.:

During his time as President of the United States, Barack Obama famously limited his wardrobe choices to only grey or blue suits. He explained in an interview with Vanity Fair, "I'm trying to pare down decisions. I don't want to make decisions about what I'm eating or wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make."

Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder, is known for wearing the same grey t-shirt and hoodie to work every day. He has said that it's one less decision he has to make in the morning, allowing him to focus on more important tasks.

Steve Jobs, the late Apple co-founder, was known for his minimalist style, often wearing the same black turtleneck and jeans to presentations and events. In a 2011 interview, he explained, "I feel like I'm wasting my time if I have to make a decision about what I'm going to wear or eat. Because I have too many other decisions to make."

Albert Einstein, the famous physicist, reportedly owned several identical suits so he wouldn't have to waste time deciding what to wear each day.

By implementing the following tips and being mindful of your decision-making habits, you can help reduce decision fatigue and make better decisions throughout the day. Remember, small changes can have a big impact when it comes to conserving your mental energy and improving your overall well-being.

Create routines: Establishing consistent routines can help reduce the number of decisions you have to make throughout the day. For example, create a morning routine that includes things like breakfast, exercise, and getting dressed in a pre-planned outfit.

Delegate decision-making: If possible, delegate some decision-making responsibilities to others. This can help take some of the pressure off and allow you to focus on more important decisions.

Use tools and resources: There are a number of tools and resources available that can help streamline your decision-making process. For example, use a budgeting app to help manage your finances or a meal planning service to help with meal decisions.

Practice mindfulness: Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help reduce stress and conserve mental energy.

Take care of yourself: Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated can all help improve mental clarity and reduce decision fatigue.

So there you have it. Some helpful tips to abate the end-of-day fatigue that can wipe us out and steal our joy!

I'm sure you've heard of neuroscience, and you know it'll help you, but the time it takes to sift through all the general information out there is overwhelming!

So here's where I fit in. There are only two things that are in our control, our thoughts and our perspectives. I know that once you've learned how to manage your mind, you will master your life.

I give you the tools to successfully manage your mind and empower you to create a life you don’t want to escape. If you would like to find out more about how you can  book an obligation-free call via my website coachelke.com.au