Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, September 11, 2023
In our fast-paced modern world, we are inundated with choices every day. From selecting what to wear in the morning to making important life-altering decisions, our minds are constantly working overtime. However, this relentless decision-making process can take its toll, leading to a phenomenon known as decision fatigue. In this article, we will delve into what decision fatigue is, why it happens, and most importantly, how to cope with it effectively.
Defining Decision Fatigue
Decision fatigue is a term coined by social psychologist Roy F. Baumeister. It refers to the deteriorating quality of decisions made by an individual after a long session of decision-making. Essentially, as we make more choices throughout the day, our mental resources become depleted, making us more likely to make hasty, suboptimal decisions or avoid making decisions altogether.
So, Why Does Decision Fatigue Happen?
- Limited Mental Resources: Our brains have finite mental resources available for decision-making. As we make choices, these resources are depleted, leaving us mentally exhausted and more prone to errors.
- Information Overload: In the age of the internet, we have access to an overwhelming amount of information. Sifting through this avalanche of data can be mentally draining and contribute to decision fatigue.
- Fear of Making the Wrong Choice: The fear of making a wrong decision can be paralysing. People often become overwhelmed by the consequences of their choices, which leads to procrastination and further decision fatigue.
- Too Many Trivial Decisions: Spending time on trivial decisions like what to wear or what to eat can drain our mental energy, leaving us with fewer resources for more critical choices.
- Cognitive Overload: Constant multitasking and the demands of modern life can overwhelm our cognitive functions, making it harder to make sound decisions.
Daily Dilemmas in Motherhood
The dilemmas mothers face in their daily lives are vast and varied. They include selecting the right school for their children, managing household finances, deciding on extracurricular activities, and balancing work and family life. Sociologist Dr Susan Lewis notes, “Mothers often bear the brunt of household and childcare decisions. These choices, while important, can accumulate and contribute significantly to decision fatigue.”
Author Rebecca James adds, “It is not just the big decisions that weigh on mothers; it is the constant stream of everyday choices that can become overwhelming.” From what to pack in school lunch to whether it is time to call the paediatrician, these choices add up, leaving mothers mentally drained.
Coping with Decision Fatigue
Every individual can devise a personal plan to avoid, or if required, overcome decision fatigue by following some easy solutions.
- Recognise that not all decisions are equally important. Reserve your mental energy for the decisions that truly matter in the long run. This will help you allocate your cognitive resources more efficiently.
- Reduce decision fatigue by simplifying your daily routines. For example, create a capsule wardrobe with mix-and-match pieces to make choosing an outfit in the morning easier.
- Set specific times during the day to make important decisions. By establishing a routine, you reduce the number of decisions you have to make spontaneously.
- For complex decisions, break the process into smaller, manageable steps. This not only makes the decision-making process less overwhelming but also allows you to approach each part with a fresh perspective.
- Be mindful of the information you consume. Filter out unnecessary data and focus on reliable sources that provide valuable insights for your decisions.
- Engaging in mindfulness meditation can help calm your mind and improve your ability to focus. It can be a powerful tool to combat decision fatigue.
- If you have the option to delegate certain decisions to others, do so. This not only reduces your cognitive load but also empowers others to take responsibility.
- Simplify your life by decluttering your physical and digital spaces. The less clutter you have to deal with, the fewer decisions you will need to make.
Dr Sarah Williams, Clinical Psychologist points out how the fast-paced life has an impact on us. She said, “Decision fatigue is a fascinating concept that sheds light on the limitations of our cognitive resources. It is essential to recognise that our mental energy is finite, and when we exhaust it on trivial choices, we have less capacity to make important decisions. This can have far-reaching consequences, especially in high-stress professions or situations.”
Paradox of Choice
Dr Mark Johnson, a Behavioural Economist has highlighted that, “From a behavioural economics perspective, decision fatigue underscores the significance of choice architecture in our lives. The way choices are presented can have a profound impact on our decision-making. Supermarkets, for instance, strategically place tempting snacks at checkout counters, knowing that consumers are more likely to give in to impulse purchases when they are fatigued from shopping.”
The paradox of choice, as studied by Barry Schwarts, demonstrates that while we value having options, an excess of choices can lead to paralysis and dissatisfaction. This paradox is closely linked to decision fatigue. To combat it, businesses and policymakers are increasingly adopting strategies like default options, where a choice is made for the individual unless they actively opt for an alternative. This not only simplifies decision-making but also reduces the mental burden on consumers.
In the digital realm, social media platforms have recognised the role of decision fatigue in user engagement. They use algorithms to curate content, reducing the number of choices users have to make about what to view next. This keeps users engaged and minimises the risk of decision fatigue leading to disengagement.”
Indian Newslink will also share a follow-up story on decision fatigue in Children and teenagers.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
