How can you make a more thoughtful decision?
The Challenge
The next time you have a big decision to make (that can wait at least 24 hours), put it aside for the day and make a plan to tackle it first thing the next morning.
Why do this?
Experts estimate that the average person makes 35,000 decisions each day--from what to wear in the morning, to which task to start on at work, to what route to take on the drive home. And each of these little decisions takes a toll. The most choices you make, the more tired your cognitive processes get. By the end of the day, you're more likely to act impulsively or avoid making a tough decision. (By the way, if you noticed that this challenge is similar to another one you've done, you're right. It is! We developed a series dedicated to combating decision fatigue, and this challenge is part of that series.)
Purposefully reducing decision fatigue will up your productivity, increase your willpower, and save your cognitive energy for the decisions that truly matter.
What’s next?
Put aside an hour each morning--either before work or first thing when you arrive--to save for the more complex decisions that come your way. People tend to be more thoughtful in the mornings, before decision fatigue has set in, so take advantage of that mental boost.
