Tired All the Time? Decision Fatigue Is Wearing You Out

Tired all the time? I bet I know why.

It’s called DECISION FATIGUE, and it’s wearing you out!

(#sooooo tired) Image created by Deb Plotkin

Sometimes, decision-making seems damn near impossible. The problem is that we have to make decisions all the time. What to eat. What to wear. Where to go. How long to spend scrolling before bed.

We live in a world where there is a constant, steady stream of decision-making opportunities – whether we want them or not. Here’s what my buddies at Google have to say about it:

“Decision fatigue is a state of mental and emotional exhaustion that occurs after making a long series of decisions. As your brain’s cognitive resources become depleted, your judgment worsens, leading to impaired executive functioning, avoidance of choices, and impulsive or irrational decision-making.”

In human speak, that means this:

That’s when you go round and round in your mind about having to make yet another choice. Then, you focus on all your oopsies and, since you don’t want to have any more future regrets, you decide not to decide at all.

So, instead of resolutions, all you get are sleepless nights and worry-filled days.

Sound familiar? I used to do the same. Now, though, I have developed a better way to get out of this loop of too many options, too many risks and too many undesirable outcomes. I use these techniques myself…and maybe they can help you, too.

Feel free to use my Baby Step style of mini lessons for maximum relief for all the decisions you have to make – both large and small. Use these tools not to decide quickly, but rather, to decide wisely.

PS...If you want wisdom like this – along with daily affirmations – delivered to your inbox each day, then sign up for free HERE.

MINI LESSON #1

ADJUST YOUR MINDSET

No matter what choice you make, you know it will all work out…eventually. You have lots of proof based on your own past experiences, as well as the experiences of billions of people on YouTube. And you can all attest to this:

There will always be an outcome.

It may not be the outcome you want, but that’s okay. Because even though you may not be able to change the circumstances, you can most definitely change how you think about it and feel about it.

Here’s what I tell myself: “I am smart enough and wise enough and strong enough to handle the outcome. And it will go way smoother if I don’t complain about it!”

MINI LESSON #2

OPEN YOUR HEART

Show yourself a little love for your ability to choose what's best for you…just for right now. Make one small decision at a time, then take one small Baby Step at a time. And, do it for THIS moment only (not for the rest of your life).

Because there is no "one" decision that will suit you forever.

EVERYTHING changes. We are in a constant state of flux (#human). So, weigh your options (but don’t take too long!), and just make a decision already. Then put on your big girl pants and assume full responsibility for whatever happens. Because you’ve lived long enough to know you can deal with it (and if not, you always have Google).

Here’s what I tell myself: ”I’m not mucking up my future with snap decisions. I’m preparing for it with the most logical action I can take right now and then the next step will reveal itself…and so on and so on.”

MINI LESSON #3

BE QUIET

Pause and go within for a little guidance. Listen quietly as your Soul weighs in on the choice you're about to make. Does it feel "right" for you?

Because if it doesn’t serve you, then it’s probably the wrong decision.

You’ve already spent enough time choosing with everyone else in mind. Here is your official permission slip to choose for yourself. I promise the world won’t spin off its axis when you do.

Here’s what I tell myself: ”I’m at peace with the decision I made because I know I chose what is for my highest good. And when I feel good about myself, then it benefits everyone else, too.”

MINI LESSON #4

FREE YOURSELF FROM WORRY

Stop worry in its tracks. Instead, remind yourself of this: You’ve got this. You absolutely, positively know you do…even when doubt and worry are trying to convince you otherwise.

Stop listening to the useless chatter.

You’ve got enough experience to call upon as a reference, so why not just trust yourself? Tell your brain to “hush” then do what you need to do so you can move forward.

Here’s what I tell myself: ”No matter what, I've gotten through it before, and I will certainly get through it again.”

MINI LESSON #5

REMEMBER TO REMEMBER

The next time you need to choose, remember to focus on all the decisions you've made that were SPECTACULAR.

Write them down and keep them handy (in your phone, on your fridge, tattooed on your forehead) to counteract any future doubts. Be sure to include how AWESOME you felt about the outcome of each. And, while you're at it, add my magical mantra for daily practice as well:

Here’s what I tell myself:

“All is well. I am capable. I trust my intuition. I got this.”

Because it most certainly is. You most certainly are. And, you most certainly do.

(#your new mantra) Image created by Deb Plotkin