Decision fatigue is a psychological phenomenon that affects our ability to make quality decisions after a long series of choices. Just as our muscles tire, Roy Baumeister showed in the early 1990s that willpower can tire. The resulting mental slowness is often imperceptible.
Although often ignored, it can have significant consequences for our productivity, well-being and even our mental health.
This article explores how to identify this fatigue and suggests strategies to combat it.
What is decision fatigue?
Every day, we make thousands of decisions, both conscious and unconscious. These range from simple choices, such as what to eat, to complex decisions related to work or personal life. However, our brains have a limited capacity to process these choices. When we reach this limit, we fall victim to decision fatigue, which can lead to :
- Impulsive or irrational decision-making.
- An inability to choose, leading to procrastination.
- A decline in the quality of decisions made.
How do you identify decision fatigue?
Here are some common signs:
- Difficulty making simple decisions: You hesitate for a long time over mundane choices, like what to eat or wear.
- Increased procrastination: You postpone important decisions for lack of mental energy.
- Irritability or frustration: You feel irritated by the need to make choices.
- Impulsive decisions: You opt for the first option that presents itself, without thinking about the consequences.
How can you save mental energy?
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is a prime example of how to manage decision fatigue. He almost always wore the same outfit: a black turtleneck, jeans and sneakers. Why did he do this? To reduce the number of decisions he had to make every day. By eliminating clothing choices, he saved his mental energy for more important decisions, such as those related to Apple product design.
Other famous personalities, such as Mark Zuckerberg (founder of Facebook) and Barack Obama, have adopted similar strategies. Obama, for example, limited his clothing choices to gray or blue suits to focus on crucial presidential decisions.
How to combat decision fatigue?
Here are some practical strategies for reducing your impact:
1. Automate repetitive decisions
- Simplify your daily routine. For example, plan your meals in advance or adopt a minimalist wardrobe.
- Use tools like to-do lists or apps to organize your priorities.
- Visualize the actions you plan to take the next day. This way, when decisions come up, visualization automatically guides us towards the choice we made the day before.
2. Make the right decisions at the right time
- Identify your energy peaks, or chronotype, during the day (morning, afternoon or evening) and reserve these moments for crucial choices.
- Avoid making important decisions when you’re tired or stressed.
3. Limit distractions
- Reduce interruptions and concentrate on one task at a time. The fewer distractions you have, the more mental energy you’ll save.
4. Learn to delegate
- If possible, delegate certain decisions to other people or automate them. For example, delegate administrative tasks or use subscriptions for recurring purchases.
5. Take care of yourself
- Good nutrition, quality sleep and regular breaks are essential to recharge your brain and avoid mental overload.
To find out more…
Decision fatigue is a challenge we all face, but it can be managed with simple, effective strategies. By simplifying your daily life, planning your important decisions and taking care of your well-being, you can save your mental energy for what really matters. Sometimes, reducing trivial choices can unlock immense potential for the decisions that shape our future.
What about you? What’s your experience of decision fatigue? Share your experiences and strategies in the comments?
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