Perhaps, just a few seconds ago, you questioned whether you wanted to read this psychology article on decision-making– or a physics article on Quantum Probability. But after some time dwelling, ultimately, you decided to read this!
Everyday, we are bombarded with choice after choice. Robert Wesleyan University researchers suggest that on average, we make about 35,000 conscious decisions each day; and that we spend approximately two hours per day deliberating over decisions. We often say ‘the more the merrier’– but is that the case for decision-making? This article will delve into the intricacies of decision-fatigue, the consequences that result from it, and how to better combat ‘decision-making’ in order to maximize our time and efforts.
What is Decision Fatigue?
Many highly successful people swear by a similar philosophy– to wear the same outfit everyday. Black turtleneck, blue jeans, and trainers… also known as the ‘man behind Apple’, Steve Jobs is the most recognizable example.
As one of the most successful business persons in history, it is without a doubt that Jobs was a master decision maker. This seemingly strange habit may seem like it doesn’t do much– but the impact this action has is profound; it is one of the many actions Jobs took to reduce the number of decisions that he had to make on a daily basis, to save energy for the important ones.
Other highly successful people such as Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg, are also known for their repetitive wardrobes to combat a phenomenon called ‘decision fatigue’– which refers to a state of mental overload that can impede, and worsens one’s ability to continue making decisions. This phenomenon assumes that our brains have a limited store of energy, with which to make decisions. Over time, this store reduces, as we make more and more decisions– just like a muscle that tires with repeated exercise, our brains get tired with repeated decision-making.
Consequences and Symptoms
Consciously or subconsciously, we are always making decisions– “What do I wear, what do I eat, what do I do with my time…” such questions we ask ourselves can deplete us of energy, leading to decision fatigue. Other than the typical symptoms of physical or mental fatigue one may experience due to this phenomenon such as increased feelings of tiredness and brain fog, there are four main symptoms: procrastination, impulsivity, avoidance and indecision.
Though consequences and effects can vary, when our brains are worn down, typically we get more rash with our decision-making and negate thinking things through. Or, it causes us to simply avoid decision-making as a whole, which can cause more problems in the long run.
Ways to Combat and Prevent Decision Fatigue
Just as with clothing choices, a one-size-fits-all approach to decision-making is unlikely to work. However, there are various steps you can take to pave the way for smart decision-making.
Limiting and removing trivial choices: Having fewer choices as a whole will lead to fewer decisions. It may be beneficial to have a repetitive wardrobe like Steve Jobs, eradicating the choice of ‘fashion’ completely.
Delegating whenever possible: Sometimes, we should let others choose for us– letting go this sense of control may be hard for many, but letting other people handle things once in can help decrease our burdens.
Deciding beforehand, to not have to decide later: Ironic as this may sound, choosing beforehand can mitigate fatigue in the long-run; this could mean writing up your grocery list before leaving the house, so you don’t have to decide what to buy when you get to the grocery store– reducing impulse shopping.
While limiting trivial choices, delegating, and deciding beforehand may undoubtedly save you time and thus increase efficiency, strict routines may feel restrictive and boring to many. It is important to strike a balance between strict, disciplined, and monotonous routines– and leave room for flexibility and leeway.
Reference list
Abhijit Bhaduri. (n.d.). Decision Fatigue. [online] Available at: https://www.abhijitbhaduri.com/blog/2021/6/3/decision-fatigue [Accessed 1 Jul. 2024].
Berg, S. (2021). What doctors wish patients knew about decision fatigue. [online] American Medical Association. Available at: https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-decision-fatigue [Accessed 1 Jul. 2024].
Psychology Today. (n.d.). Is Decision Fatigue Real? | Psychology Today. [online] Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stretching-theory/202309/is-decision-fatigue-real [Accessed 1 Jul. 2024].
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