The 10-minute fix for decision fatigue

Last week, I had one of those days where everything needed a decision. Years ago, I realized something crucial: we all have a limited supply of decision-making energy each day, and we're probably wasting too much of it on choices that don't really matter.

That's why my personal life runs on autopilot: same breakfast, same "work uniform," same daily schedule. As someone with ADHD, this structure is especially important for me, but the principle applies to everyone: Why drain your mental battery deciding what to wear or eat when those decisions won't impact your success?

But even with these careful systems in place, by 2 PM my brain was swimming in work decisions. Should we pivot our marketing strategy? Does this feature need another round of testing? Which vendor proposal makes the most sense? Important choices that deserved my full attention and clear thinking.

That afternoon, when faced with an unexpected "quick decision" about changing our team meeting structure, I could barely string together a coherent thought. My decision-making battery wasn't just low – it was completely dead. Despite all my careful routines to preserve mental energy, the sheer volume of meaningful decisions had overwhelmed my capacity.

Sound familiar? Whether you're dealing with ADHD like me or just navigating our choice-heavy world, we all face the same challenge: How do we preserve our best thinking for the decisions that truly matter?

 

The Hidden Cost of Endless Choices

You might think I'm being dramatic about decision fatigue, but the research backs this up in fascinating ways:

Take a quick inventory: Are you making your biggest decisions when your mental energy is lowest?

• Strategic work decisions at day's end

• Important conversations when drained

• Life planning after hours of small choices

Here's the fix: A simple system to protect your decision-making power when it matters most.

The Ready-Reset Method: Your 10-Minute Solution

Through years of experimentation (and feedback from thousands of high-achievers in our community), I've developed a framework that transforms how you handle daily decisions.

Here's your 3-step plan for today:

Wednesday Challenge: Your 10-Minute Reset Plan

Let's break this into three simple steps you can implement today:

1️⃣ READY: Front-load Tomorrow (5 mins)

Decisions made in advance are 10x better than in-the-moment choices. Do this now:

• Set out tomorrow's outfit

• Plan your meals

• Lock in your top 3 priorities

• Schedule movement time

Power tip: Use a 5-minute timer. What gets contained, gets done. Write your top 3 priorities in your self journal or daily action pad.

2️⃣ REDUCE: Create Default Settings (3 mins)

Create your default settings for:

• Morning sequence

• Work wardrobe

• Go-to meals

Quick win: Steve Jobs wore the same outfit daily to save mental energy for bigger decisions. Pick your non-negotiable defaults.

3️⃣ RESET: Schedule Strategic Mental Breaks (3 mins)

Block three 5-minute "decision resets" for tomorrow:

• Mid-morning outdoor break

• Pre-lunch pause

• Mid-afternoon reset

Science win: Moving your body literally resets your decision-making circuits. Walk, stretch, or breathe – just move.

Check out the afternoon reset tool we shared a few weeks ago after finding out 47% of you also deal with the same post 2pm slump!

 

Pick your most important decision for today. Give it 30 minutes of your peak mental energy – no distractions, no compromises.

📚 Reading: "Algorithms to Live By" by Brian Christian & Tom Griffiths

This book shows how computer science principles can simplify human decisions. The "Optimal Stopping" chapter alone transformed my approach to overwhelming choices. Key insight: Better decisions often come from better question framing, not more information.

For my fellow ADHD brains, this book provides a framework that makes decision-making less emotionally taxing by applying concrete systems—something I've found invaluable when my executive function is struggling.

📺 Quick watch: The Paradox of Choice

A 20-minute talk that revolutionizes how you think about having "too many options." His concept of "satisficing vs maximizing" is game-changing for decision-making.

Your brain makes thousands of decisions daily. The goal isn't to eliminate choices – it's to ensure your most important decisions get your best mental energy.

Here's to making choices that matter with the clarity they deserve 💪

Cheers,

Cathryn

P.S. What's your biggest decision fatigue trigger? Reply and let me know – I read every response and would love to hear about your experience!

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