Hi there,
Research shows that the quality of our decisions declines as the day wears on, a phenomenon often called decision fatigue.
Throughout the day, you make countless choices—from trivial matters like picking breakfast to more serious calls at work. According to psychologist Roy Baumeister, each decision chips away at your mental resources, leaving you more prone to impulsive or default options as evening approaches.
This is why many of us end up scrolling through our phones or mindlessly watching TV at night. After a day filled with meetings, emails, and surprise problems, your brain desperately seeks the path of least resistance—often falling back on autopilot. Over time, it can shape bigger aspects of your life, like career moves or financial decisions, without you even realizing it.
Picture a busy surgeon performing critical operations. By the final procedure, fatigue can reduce the mental sharpness needed for complex choices. While most of us aren’t cutting people open every day, the principle is the same. The more decisions you make, the more you risk lapsing into automatic behavior, doing what’s easiest instead of what’s best.
Actionable Tip:
Start your day with the most important decisions. Whether it’s scheduling a critical meeting or tackling a challenging project, handle complex tasks when your mental energy is highest. If you can, delegate or automate less important decisions—like meal prepping lunches for the week—so you have more brainpower left for what truly matters.
Being aware of decision fatigue helps you plan your day more wisely, giving you control instead of relying on autopilot. Even small tweaks—like prioritizing tasks or reducing unnecessary options—can save you from mental exhaustion and boost the quality of your decisions.
For more insights on mastering your daily choices, explore LifeHack All-Access
Best,
Leon
Founder & CEO @ LifeHack
