Streamlining Choices: Embracing Routine to Ward Off Decision Fatigue

Each day, we are faced with a barrage of decisions. Psychologists estimate that the average adult makes about 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day. These decisions span from mundane choices like what to wear and what to eat, to complex decisions such as business strategies and financial planning. This constant decision-making can lead to what is known as decision fatigue, a decline in our ability to make quality decisions after a long session of decision-making.

One strategy to combat decision fatigue is the implementation of routines. Take a leaf from the book of the late Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. Jobs was known for his uniform of a black turtleneck, blue jeans, and New Balance sneakers. This simple yet effective routine eliminated the need to decide what to wear each day, thereby saving mental energy for more crucial decisions.

So, how can you start implementing routines to reduce decision fatigue? Here are the five most effective steps to consider:

1. Identify Areas of Decision Fatigue: Look at where you're most overwhelmed with choices in your life. This awareness is the first step to developing impactful routines.

2. Start Small: Simplify small decisions first, such as your breakfast choices or morning routines. These seemingly minor changes can significantly reduce your overall decision load.

3. Design a Daily Schedule: Plan your day in advance. This reduces the number of decisions about what task to tackle next.

4. Develop Rituals: Create rituals that provide a comforting routine and structure to your day, freeing up cognitive energy for other tasks.

5. Consistency is Key: Stick to your routine until it becomes second nature. The goal is to reduce the cognitive load of decision-making.

Adopting a routine can yield immense benefits. Here are the five most effective benefits you can expect:

1. Reduces Decision Fatigue: Fewer decisions result in less decision fatigue, enhancing your overall decision-making capabilities.

2. Enhances Productivity: With fewer trivial decisions to distract you, you can channel more energy towards important tasks, thereby increasing productivity.

3. Lowers Stress: Routines provide a sense of predictability and control over your environment, significantly reducing stress and anxiety.

4. Boosts Efficiency: As tasks become habitual, you complete them faster and with less cognitive effort.

5. Frees Up Time: By reducing the time spent on decision-making, routines provide more opportunities for relaxation or personal growth.

In summary, adopting routine is a powerful way to counter decision fatigue, enhancing productivity, lowering stress, and increasing efficiency. By minimising the cognitive load of trivial decisions, you create space for more important thought processes. Give it a try: implement a routine for just a week and see the difference in your daily life. It's an experience that may well redefine the way you navigate your day.

I'd love to hear from you: What routine has made a significant impact on your professional life? Please share your experiences in the comments below. And if you found this article helpful, consider liking and sharing it with your network.