Defeat Decision Fatigue

Smarter, sharper choices

By Katrina McDowell on Feb 25, 2024 in News

Decision fatigue is real.

Each of us makes around 35,000 decisions every single day. From what we’ll wear and which way we drive to work to what to eat each meal. All these decisions lead to fatigue. Many billionaires know this secret and limit what they must decide each day.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos says that to do his job successfully, he must make only three or four critical daily decisions. Being your own boss isn’t about making decisions. It’s about making fewer but more important ones so that it does not lead to burnout and you can make the highest quality choices possible.

Plan of Action. If it is not on the schedule, then it does not exist. Prioritize everything, even if there are repetitive priorities. Design a schedule that maximizes HABU (highest and best use of time). Meal planning has become popular because daily meal plans make life easier. Freedom is not deciding what to do now. Freedom is always knowing what to do and where it will lead. That’s power!

Morning and Night Routines. Remember the phrase, “mind over money?” well, in this case, it is very accurate. With the right mindset, all the rest will come. Mindset begins first thing in the morning, which starts the night before. Start by sleeping at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every day. Lay clothes out the night before, make any lunches for the next day and wake up knowing exactly what to do first. Exercise, meditation and breakfast might be essential priorities, but schedule them to learn when they will be done. It is critical to consider these choices now and then turn them into a routine. Lockdown routines. Otherwise, they will lead to unnecessary energy spent.

Methodology. Conquer decision fatigue with SOPs (standard operating procedures), defined as documented step-by-step breakdowns of tasks or actions in business. Having any SOP is helpful, but the true power happens when SOPs begin to stack and create systems. Once SOPs are in place, it will lead to a team so systematized that anyone could run the team with these documents. This will help when those in charge are on PTO, sabbatical or maternity leave.

Collaboration and Mentorship. Making mundane decisions repeatedly daily is exhausting and unproductive. Many without a plan or support inevitably will lead to decision fatigue. Not to mention, it’s energy-draining to make an important decision. Do not make these decisions alone. Having a mastermind group is an important success principle because multiple minds working together are infinitely more potent than one working alone. Hire a coach or find a community of like-minded people to help brainstorm problems and hold accountability.

Divide and Conquer. If something highly emotionally and cognitively draining is coming up, reduce the number of decisions needed during that time. Make the decisions in advance or allocate them to someone else.

Go easy on yourself. Adopt these measures gradually to reduce decision fatigue, one step at a time.