Decision fatigue.[1]
Understanding this psychology principle will instantly improve your decision-making skills. Just how might surprise you.
To get stronger, you lift heavier weights.
To learn, you read more books.
To get fitter, you workout harder.
To make better decisions, you shouldâ¦
Make fewer decisions.
We view decision making like any other activity. To get better, you must practice the skill, right?
This is not the case.
You should think of decisions as currency. Every day you begin with only so much. Yet, as soon as we wake, we start spending.
Should I wear the red shirt, or the white?
Toast or cereal for breakfast?
Watch television or listen to some music while eating?
Buy a coffee on the way to work or bring my own?
Decisions arenât free, every single one is a withdrawal from your mental stamina. Once itâs spent, itâs gone for the day. These seemingly small decisions are slowly sapping your willpower and ability to decide. Itâs why you can eat healthy all day only to fall victim to after-work temptations.
Your willpower is finite. Decisions are difficult cognitive tasks undertaken by your prefrontal cortex.
Fortunately, you already know the solution.
Make fewer decisions. Itâs so simple, itâs almost hard to believe.
You need to take your small decisions seriously. These arenât insignificant withdrawals, they add up. Remember, a leaking faucet wastes nine thousands litres of water a year.
Cherish your daily decision-making currency, donât waste it on insignificant decisions.
By the way, did I mention habits?
Every habit you establish stops draining your willpower reserves and keeps your decision-making coffers topped up. Once you have established a habit, it works with you.
Many fitness enthusiasts will tell you they hated going to the gym, now you canât get them away from the place. They actually enjoy the exercise, it costs little, if any willpower. This is the power of your habits.
Every habit you create will stop draining your willpower battery.
Make fewer decisions and create more habits.
Give it one month. Thatâs it. I guarantee it will change your life.
Answered2021-08-18 16:16:28
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