Remember, You're Always Choosing - Consciously or Unconsciously

35,000.

That’s the average number of decisions a person makes in a single day!

We choose what to eat, what to wear, and how to respond in conversations. Some choices are small, while others feel life-changing, but each one shapes our day—and, ultimately, our life.

Even in situations that feel hopeless, we retain our sovereign right to choose. In challenging work environments, for instance, there is always an opportunity to exercise this right, whether it’s by standing up to a bully, choosing to prioritize our well-being over people-pleasing, or considering new paths and opportunities.

We may not have control over every circumstance, but we always have control over how we respond. Choose, we must.

Sometimes, the most powerful choice we can make is acceptance—not as passive resignation, but as a mindful decision to continue with what is by recognizing the deeper benefits that matter to us. This choice can empower us to let go of a victim mentality, allowing us to see our situation through a lens of autonomy and resilience.

Decision Fatigue: Protecting Our Energy for the Choices That Matter

It’s also worth noting the toll of decision fatigue, a phenomenon where the quality of our choices diminishes as the sheer volume of decisions exhausts us. This is perhaps why some high-profile individuals simplify their routines—wearing the same clothes every day i.e. having 50 pairs of jeans and 50 t-shirts all in the same colour for example—to preserve their mental energy for decisions that truly matter.

Our decisions, whether minor or monumental, define our journey. As we face them, let’s remember the remarkable power we hold and the value of making choices consciously.

Tips for Making Conscious Decisions:

1. Limit options: Too many choices can be overwhelming. Try to narrow down your options to a manageable number to make decision-making easier - at your favourite restaurant, narrow it down to 3 options.
2. Set decision deadlines: Give yourself a time limit for making decisions to avoid overthinking. This helps you prioritize what truly matters. This could look like "I have 5 minutes to decide on my outfit."
3. Reflect on your values: Before making a decision, consider how it aligns with your core values and long-term goals. This reflection can provide clarity and direction. I.e. "Which options is closest aligned to my values and goals?"
4. Practice mindfulness: Take a moment to pause and breathe before making a decision. Mindfulness can help you tune into your intuition and reduce anxiety.
5. Ask yourself, “Why am I choosing this?” This simple question encourages deeper reflection and ownership of your choices, allowing you to make decisions that truly resonate with you.

There’s no escaping choices — even when we say "I need more time to think about it" we are effectively choosing to do nothing. So let’s approach them with intention, choosing as consciously as we can. Our ability to choose shapes not only our individual journeys but also influences the culture of our workplaces. By making conscious decisions, we empower ourselves and those around us to lead more authentic, fulfilling lives.