Decision Fatigue

For a large number of us the modern world provides a vast array of choice, from the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, the jobs we do and everything in between (where to live, what mode of transport we take, what exercise we do, who we spend our time with, either in person or online, how we spend our time when not at work - do we go to Zumba, the pub, a party, play online games, go for a walk, scroll through social media, watch one of the gazillion TV channels or boxsets or movies available etc etc.  Just writing that list made me feel a little worn out!!

Whilst this seems like a huge step forward in some way, there are also downsides.  Besides the environmental impact of the material choices (more about that another day!) one of those downsides is ‘decision fatigue’.  A number of my clients have talked about how overwhelmed they are feeling recently.   Having to make decisions can certainly be a contributing factor to this feeling.  

What is Decision Fatigue?
I first came across the term when reading Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith & Mark Reiter a few years ago.   Basically, the theory goes that the more decisions we have to make during the day, the more fatigued we get in terms of making those decisions & therefore the more rash the decisions may be.   Research by Hsiang et al in 2019 found that clinicians order cancer screenings at lower rates and unnecessarily prescribe antibiotics at higher rates as the workday progresses and  voters are more likely to abstain or make simplified decisions for contests that occur in later positions on a ballot (Augenblick & Nicholson,  2016).

What are the consequences?
Researchers in this field attest that ‘decision fatigue’ leaves us with 2 main options,

1. Making careless or impulsive decisions or
2. Do nothing (or procrastinate).  

The consequences of decision fatigue could be feelings of overwhelm, brain fog, exhaustion, irritability.   If you are feeling at all depleted this compounds the speed at which you become fatigued too.  Goldsmith gives the example of buying things on impulse only to find when you feel more rested what a bad decision it was… I’ve definitely been there!!   It's also why we may have a tendency to reach for an easy TV dinner as opposed to home cook at the end of the day. 

How to prevent decision fatigue
Pre-planning is one of the main ways we can minimise decision making – Barach Obamah & Steve Jobs famously wear the same outfits day in day out to take one decision out of their day.  Pre-planning meals, sticking to exercise routines & creating processes for how to deal with situations at work are some ways to pre-plan & minimise decision making.
Delegating is another option.  Who else could make the decision instead of or for you?
Diarising decisions – is this something you need to be making a decision on now or could it be something you put into your diary for when you have more time or energy or support? 

Here is an exercise that might help if you are feeling depleted and in need of minimising decision making:
 
Exercise
List every decision you make throughout your day… eg what time to wake up, what to wear, what to have for breakfast, whether to exercise & if so when & what type, when to open your email…. etc).  Once you have made a list work out the options you have for that decision; pre plan, delegate, diarise or another option that’s available to you.   Then DO IT & feel the weight go from your shoulders!!  
 
Wishing you the very best & hoping the above has been interesting and useful to you.  I would love to hear any thoughts, comments or feedback on this topic so do get in touch via [email protected]