The Art of Choosing Wisely
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the endless decisions you have to make every day? Whether it’s choosing what to wear, what to eat, or which product to buy, decision fatigue is a real phenomenon that affects us all. A few years ago, I watched a movie called The Fly, where the main character made an interesting decision to avoid wasting time: He had a closet full of identical clothing pieces—pants, shirts, and jackets—all in the same model and color. His reasoning? By eliminating the daily choice of what to wear, he could save energy for more important decisions.
Steve Jobs followed a similar approach. The famous entrepreneur wore the same outfit every day—blue jeans, a black turtleneck, and sneakers. This habit was not about fashion, but rather about reducing the mental load of constant decisions, so he could focus his energy on decisions that truly mattered.
The Science of Decision Fatigue: Why Too Many Choices Can Paralyze Us
Psychologist Barry Schwartz, in his book The Paradox of Choice, reveals that having too many options can actually paralyze us, making it harder to make choices. Our brains have a finite amount of energy for decision-making, and as the day goes on, this energy is depleted. As a result, we often rely on routines or habits to make decisions for us. The more decisions we face, the more fatigued we become, reducing our ability to make conscious choices.
While decision fatigue is a significant factor, it’s not the only one. Our nutrition, sleep patterns, insecurities, and personalities also influence how we make decisions. Sometimes, we’re not just making decisions with our rational minds; emotions, values, and personal beliefs play a crucial role in how we choose.
Navigating the Complexities of Decision-Making
Over the years, we’ve learned to rely on rational methods to make decisions. Some of those decisions were assertive, others were less so. Regardless, we make hundreds of decisions every day, often without realizing it: What should I wear today? What should I have for breakfast? Should I take the car to the garage this week or next? Which detergent should I buy?
These small decisions accumulate and impact the peace of our lives. Ever wondered what would’ve happened if you had chosen differently? Or regretted a "good" decision right after making it?
Often, these feelings arise because our decisions are made unconsciously or based on habit. Sometimes we’re influenced by others' opinions, or we only focus on the rational side of things. We tend to forget that we are complex beings—not only rational, but also emotional. Our values, preferences, and beliefs must be considered in the decision-making process to ensure that we honor our true selves.
How to Make Decisions That Align with Your Authentic Self
To make decisions that truly satisfy us over time, we need to know ourselves deeply. Self-awareness is key: recognizing our needs, values, abilities, and preferences is crucial for making conscious decisions that align with who we truly are. It’s also important to identify and challenge any limiting beliefs we may have, and to remain open to new perspectives that encourage growth.
Taking the first step toward better decision-making may be challenging, but once you do, it creates a powerful momentum that helps you move forward with confidence.
If you want to dive deeper into the art of decision-making, I invite you to read my book. Inside, you’ll discover the obstacles that hinder your decision-making process, how to overcome them, the influence of your environment on your choices, and much more. You’ll learn how to make decisions that leave you feeling satisfied and empowered.