How to Avoid Decision Fatigue?
In everyday life, we often find ourselves stuck in "choice paralysis." After a long and busy day, even simple decisions—like what to eat for dinner or which movie to watch—can become unexpectedly difficult. This isn't your fault; it's a psychological phenomenon known as decision fatigue.
What is Decision Fatigue?
American psychologist Roy Baumeister pointed out that willpower functions like a muscle—it gets tired after being used repeatedly. Every decision we make depletes a bit of our willpower. Once it runs low, the quality of our decisions starts to drop significantly. We tend to default to the easiest option, avoid making choices altogether, or even make impulsive and irrational decisions.
A famous study by psychologist Jonathan Levav highlighted this effect. He analyzed parole decisions made by judges in Israel and discovered a striking pattern: the approval rate for parolees was only 15% right before the judges took a meal break, but it surged to over 60% right after they had eaten. This suggests that replenishing energy significantly improves decision-making because willpower and blood glucose levels are closely related.
How to Avoid Decision Fatigue?
Fortunately, there are practical strategies to combat decision fatigue and stay mentally sharp throughout the day:
1. Schedule Important Decisions Wisely
Plan your most important decisions during times when your willpower is strongest—usually in the morning or shortly after a meal. Avoid making critical choices when you're hungry, tired, or emotionally drained.
2. Replenish Energy and Stabilize Blood Sugar
Willpower is linked to blood glucose levels. High glycemic index (GI) foods like chocolate bars or white bread can quickly raise blood sugar, offering a short-term energy boost during mentally demanding tasks. For everyday productivity, however, opt for medium or low-GI foods like brown rice, vegetables, eggs, milk, and other whole foods that maintain steady blood sugar and prolong mental stamina.
3. Reduce Unnecessary Choices
More options don't always mean more freedom—they often lead to quicker mental exhaustion. For instance, Mark Zuckerberg famously wears the same gray T-shirt every day to conserve his decision-making power for more important matters.
4. Use Decision Tools to Lighten the Load
To address the overload of daily decisions, I developed a lightweight decision-making tool called Yes or Not. Its concept is simple—help you quickly make a “yes” or “no” decision. Whether it’s “Should I exercise today?”, “Should I try this restaurant?”, or “Should I continue this project?”, this minimal interface and intuitive logic help you think clearly and act swiftly, cutting down on hesitation and mental fatigue.
Conclusion
Decision fatigue is a real and common phenomenon that affects our productivity, wellbeing, and overall quality of life. By applying proven strategies—like managing your decision-making schedule, maintaining energy through nutrition, limiting low-priority choices, and using tools like Yes or Not—you can significantly reduce its impact. Life is full of decisions. Let smart habits and helpful tools ease the burden so you can focus your energy where it truly matters.