Today’s post is about something I’m very familiar with: decision fatigue. You might know it too. It’s the mental weariness that builds after making lots of decisions, until the prospect of making just one more fills you with existential dread.
Making decisions is an unavoidable part of life. We make countless choices every day, from what to have for breakfast to when to go to bed. Some of those decisions deserve more consideration than others.
Mark Zuckerberg (yes, that guy) once explained that wearing the same style of t-shirt each day saved him from wasting precious decision-making energy on what to wear.
While I find plenty of his other life choices questionable, I can get behind this one. Reducing the number of small decisions I make in a day helps me focus on the ones that actually matter.
So, here are a few weird habits that spare me from the abyss of indecision:
I keep a small collection of everyday outfits so I don't have to labour over what to wear every morning at 6:30am.
I eat the same breakfast and lunch every day. I eat the same dinner on weeknights. This helps me avoid staring into the fridge trying to figure out what to eat. Even my evening treat has been spared a repetitive selection process. I have the same two chocolates daily.
I buy multiples of the same basics (like my favourite shoes or shorts) so I don't have to stress about replacing them. This is often beneficial for another reason - I can wait to pick them up on sale.
I systemise my digital life. I use the PARA method to keep on track of projects, resources and archives. There's no wasting time wondering where to file something or what name to give it.
I create comprehensive lists of places I want to visit based on incremental travel time. ‘1 hour out’, ‘2 hours out’ etc. This helps me look at my day and decide which location I have the time and energy to visit.
This might sound extreme (does it?), but it suits the way my brain works. It's remarkable how much easier life becomes when you don't have to spend as much time making endless decisions!