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552 - How to Combat Decision Fatigue

Tiny Leaps, Big Changes
Tiny Leaps, Big Changes
Episode • Jun 26, 2020 • 15m

In this episode, we talk about decision fatigue.

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What is Decision Fatigue?

"As it turns out, your willpower is like a muscle. And similar to the muscles in your body, willpower can get fatigued when you use it over and over again. Every time you make a decision, it’s like doing another rep in the gym. And similar to how your muscles get tired at the end of a workout, the strength of your willpower fades as you make more decisions." - James Clear

  • Everyone has a reserve of mental energy, and each decision draws on it
  • The more decisions you make, the less mental energy you have

Two Ways to Avoid It:

  • Proactive: Optimizing your day to day routine to reduce unnecessary decisions (the president)
    Choose your outfit the night before
    Set out clothes for workouts
    Meal prep
  • Reactive: Giving yourself space to reset and improve decision making (taking a break)
    • Do something fun
    • Take a break
    • Stop for the day

Key Takeaways:

1. Plan to make decisions early in the day

2. Make small decisions ( like what to wear) ahead of time

3. Avoid impulse decisions

Resources:

https://jamesclear.com/willpower-decision-fatigue

https://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2019/05/13/how-to-identify-when-youre-experiencing-decision-fatigue/#1dfea0267fb4

Tiny Leaps, Big Changes • 552 - How to Combat Decision Fatigue • Listen on Fountain