There are various instances where we are unable to make proper decisions during the day due to the different complex decisions which we have made throughout the day. Ever wondered why this happens? This blog explores the topic of decision fatigue and how it tends to impact the ability of a person to make proper decisions.
Decision fatigue is a phenomenon where a person tends to experience difficulty making decisions due to making a lot of decisions over a long period of time throughout the day. It is the emotional and mental strain which people tend to experience due to taking up a lot of decisions throughout the day. This can lead to people becoming more anxious, overwhelmed as well as stressed at the same time (B. Sara., 2021). There are various causes of decision fatigue. One of them has to do with the stress levels which a person tends to undergo as well as the number of decisions that they have to make throughout the day. As and when the decisions tend to become more and more complex, the person starts to experience more and more difficulty to make proper decisions. It has also been observed that when one tends to have a lot of choices in front of them, then also that individual will go through decision fatigue (Johnson J., 2020). When the blood glucose levels are low, then also there are high chances that an individual tends to suffer from decision fatigue due to inadequate blood supply to the brain (Pignatiello G.A., Martin R.A., & Hickman R.L., 2021).
There are various signs of a person who is experiencing decision fatigue. One of them includes procrastination, where the person is trying their best to postpone their decision making and they tend to make the decision later on. Second important sign of this particular phenomenon is that the individual is acting impulsively based on their impulses rather than giving the proposal a second thought. The third sign of decision fatigue is that of exhaustion and brain fog where the person is feeling exhausted from taking various decisions and wishes not to take further decisions as well as inability to complete a task which was once started. Other important signs of this phenomenon include irritability of an individual where they tend to get irritated easily to even the minutest of discomfort. This causes the person an inability to take proper decisions. Lastly, regret and physical discomfort also tend to be one of the biggest signs of decision fatigue where the person might face regret for taking the wrong decision or they might have some physical difficulties causing them to just ignore the decision making process (Cleveland Clinic., 2023). A research paper by Polman E., & Vohs Kathleen D., (2016) talks about how people when taking decisions for others it is more easier, enjoyable and less depleting, but taking decisions for oneself makes it difficult for the person, as they find it less enjoyable and more depleting.
There are various methods which one can use to reduce the decision fatigue that they are experiencing. One of the first methods includes delegating time, energy and efforts for some decisions. If we delegate less time and energy for a small decision, we can give more thought and energy to bigger and more complex decisions. One can also delegate their decisions to their subordinates or juniors, which is usually seen in many big companies. Some of the decisions can be automated by activating our core values where any decision which doesn’t align with our core values and principles, then we must say no to that particular proposal. The core values and principles which we tend to live by usually acts as a filter which can help us make a decision in a much faster and efficient manner. Many companies tend to use data based on which they are making their decisions on various critical issues related to their products and their services. Using data can also be a great way for making faster and efficient decisions which can reduce time and energy spent on decision making. If we reduce the number of choices that we are facing, then the number of decisions which we tend to make shall also reduce hence reducing the decision fatigue which one tends to undergo. We also must make our toughest decisions early on instead of postponing it frequently, which can again save us time and energy. Lastly, we must take proper rest and sleep which can provide us with the energy to make proper decisions throughout the day (Dimovski S., 2024).
Decision fatigue is a common problem which is being faced by a lot of people in the current day and age. By understanding the cause and effects of decision fatigue, one can manage their mental resources and reclaim clarity in order to make better decisions in their lives.
References
Berg S., (2021). What doctors wish patients knew about decision fatigue? American medical association (AMA).
Johnson J., (2020). What is decision fatigue? Medical news today.
Pignatiello G.A., Martin R.A., & Hickman R.L., (2021). Decision Fatigue: A Conceptual Analysis.
Cleveland clinic (2023). 8 Signs of Decision Fatigue and How To Cope.
Polman E., & Vohs Kathleen D., (2016). Decision Fatigue, Choosing for Others, and Self-Construal. https://carlsonschool.umn.edu/sites/carlsonschool.umn.edu/files/2018-12/polman_vohs_2016_spps_decision_fatigue_0_0.pdf
Dimovski S., (2024). 6 Tactics To Reduce Decision Fatigue.
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