Decision Fatigue

What is decision fatigue?

 

Decision fatigue occurs when we are unable to make good decisions due to a lack of energy and focus. Researchers tend to view our decision-making ability as a battery. Each decision we make reduces the “charge” on our battery resulting in less energy to weigh out our options in the decision-making process. In fact, decision fatigue often leads to reckless behaviors like compulsive spending or the inability to make a decision at all.

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What are the symptoms?

 

There are 4 main symptoms of decision fatigue. The main symptoms are:

• Procrastination

• Impulsivity

• Avoidance

• Indecisiveness

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Note: Decision fatigue is also closely linked with anxiety

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What causes decision fatigue?

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• Making too many decisions in a day 

  • e.g. not utilizing a grocery or to-do list​

• Taking on too much responsibility

• Not making important decisions in the morning when you have more "brain power"

• Having too many options (which can cause distress)

• Not setting deadlines or spacing out decisions

• Having too many commitments to the point of being overwhelmed

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How can I prevent decision fatigue?

 

There are day-to-day things you can do to prevent overload in your decision making. A few of many things you can do include:

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• Make fewer decisions by utilizing a to-do list or grocery list

• Delegate decisions to others when you can

• Make big or important decisions in the morning when you have more "brain power"

  • Our brain power depletes throughout the day​

• Limit options – too many options can cause distress

• Set deadlines and space out decisions

• Simplify your life – drop any excess commitments you have in your life

  • Fewer activities or commitments = fewer decisions to make