Your decision train takes off the moment you open your eyes in the morning. Choo! Choo! Choo! Your thoughts begin to whirl and twirl. Should you snooze the alarm and sleep in for five more minutes, or wake up and go about your day? What will you have for breakfast? What route will you take to work? Will there be traffic? Should I pack lunch or eat out today? And that’s all before you get out of the shower!
This is the reason why decision fatigue is a real thing. We were raised to believe that having more choices is a good thing, but there lies the paradox of choice. According to Barry Schwartz’s 2004 book, The Paradox of Choice: less is more.
It is a great theory explaining that the simplest decision can create a domino effect, requiring so many other choices. Or that one decision could mean you are missing out on better deals. It all shows that decision-making is incapacitating. Choosing not to decide is a decision in itself!
It’s all too much! One way to stop analysis paralysis is to limit your choices and channel your decision skills to where they are needed. Here’s how to declutter your mind and cut down on the decisions you need to make in a day without causing your life to stagnate.
1. Pay Attention to Your Limits.
If you have planned your day out, decision-making gets really easy. You can arrange your different types of activities to go hours between big decision-making periods.
Speaking of major decisions, choose to make these when you are most alert. For most, this earlier in the day after a meal. However, if the decision fatigue is real within you, halt on any major decisions asap! Because we all know, one bad decision can lead to a series of unfortunate events.
2. Observe Your Habits.
If you are unsure of your limits, spend the next few days identifying and evaluating your decision-making patterns. Also, look at how they impact your overall efficiency. Identify the areas of your life that are taking up too much decision-making energy and which areas are giving you way options you don’t necessarily need.
Once you have done this, you can eliminate the excess options which would reduce the amount of ‘on the spot’ decision you usually make. Which means more time, energy and freedom for you! Great!
3. Start Small.
You see great changes start with baby steps. Therefore, you need to figure what you can do today to reduce the fatigue. Is it meal prepping so you don’t have decide on what to eat?
Or is it switching from shopping in a mall with 25 different tooth paste to shopping in your local mini-store with three good types you already like? Simplifying one thing at a time right now will eventually lead to less dicey decision-making problems in the future.
4. Avoid The Decision Dumpers.
Decision dumpers, you already know who they are. The people who have perfected the art of never making a decision about their own lives, and they loop you in to decide for them. Then, later, blame you when things don’t go their way.
It may be a subtle request that leads you to believe that choosing for them also benefits you. Then, some leave restraint to the wind and tell it to your face. Refuse this role. Set boundaries to help you navigate impatience, flattery or manipulation. Remind them it is their decision to make.
5. Throw it to ‘The Universe’
In some instances, let fate decide. Not sure what movie to watch at the cinema? Put all the listed shows in a hat and pick a paper; voila, you have a winner. Or toss a coin, head one movie tails another: either way, you win.
This however, does not apply to your financial decisions! That’s a big none and you have to be intentional about it. If you have too many shows on your cable, maybe switch to a smaller package or quit it entirely and pay for shows you love to watch.
The Take Away.
The notion that there is a right answer to life’s questions is a fallacy which ends up boxing us into limited life experiences. Sometimes letting go of the decision-making reigns can enrich your life. Plus, it would leave your brain free to make decision that really do need all your attention. ♥
Mourine Warui is a media and communication expert and seasoned writer. Her goal is to empower and offer solutions to everyday girl’s problems while provoking candid and authentic conversations. Other goals are to provide inspiration and entertainment to readers through creative, thought-provoking and edgy stories.
