GON Reader Question
"Hi Maria,
I have been on your newsletter list for about a year now and you have been a godsend to me. My home was so very cluttered just a short time ago, and I've made tremendous progress. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My question is about decision-fatigue. I make a lot of decisions at home (should I keep this or should I get rid of it...where should I file this paper?), tons of decisions at work (what solution is best for this client...what vendor should I use...what task should I be working on?), and decisions in my church volunteer position as well (who is best to ask about heading the cookie sale this
year?)
So, at the end of the day, when my husband asks, 'What do you want to watch on TV?' or 'Have you considered what we should include in our family newsletter?" I admittedly
get a bit perturbed.
I read somewhere about something called "decision fatigue." Do I have that...and how can I combat it? I don't want my husband to be the recipient of my decision
fatigue.
-- Caroline in Sioux Falls, SD
Response from Maria
Hi Caroline,
Thank you so much for your kindness and for being a part of our GON community. I'm thrilled to hear about the tremendous progress you've made in decluttering your home—it's truly heartening to know that my information has been helpful to
you.
Your question about decision fatigue is a valid and common concern, especially for those of us juggling multiple responsibilities at home, work, and in volunteer positions. It sounds like you're managing quite a bit, and it's completely understandable that decision fatigue may start to take a
toll.
Decision fatigue occurs when the mental energy required to make choices becomes depleted, leading to feelings of exhaustion and irritability.
Fortunately, there are strategies you can employ to combat this and ensure that your husband doesn't bear the brunt of it. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Prioritize and Delegate: Identify the decisions that truly require your input and those that can be delegated. Prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency, and consider involving your husband, coworkers, church volunteers, etc. in decisions that affect each.
2. Create Routines and Systems: Establishing daily routines and systems can help reduce the number of decisions you need to make. This applies to both your personal and professional life.
For instance, having set times for certain activities can bring a sense of structure and minimize decision-making.
As
another example, having a list of vendors to choose from at work, along with their specialities, can make those work decisions quicker and easier.
Routines and systems ensure you don't have
to start from scratch in your decision-making.
3. Batch Decision-Making: Try to batch similar decisions together. For example, dedicate specific times during the day or week to address paperwork, household tasks, or work-related decisions. This helps streamline the process and
conserves mental energy.
4. Limit Options: When possible, limit the number of choices you have to make. This could involve simplifying your wardrobe, streamlining your TO DO list, or narrowing down options for certain decisions.
Fewer choices almost always leads to less decision fatigue.
5. Self-Care: Ensure that you prioritize self-care. Taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that recharge you mentally and emotionally can significantly reduce the impact of decision fatigue.
6. Communicate with
Your Husband: Let your husband know about your awareness of decision fatigue and discuss ways you both can support each other. Open communication can lead to understanding, and together, you can find solutions that work for both of you.
For instance, maybe you two can choose to watch an episode of a TV series each night so the decision is made for awhile! Some of the good series have many episodes over multiple seasons. I recently watched the three Netflix seasons of Designated Survivor with my husband and we both enjoyed it!
What's for dinner? Perhaps come up with a rotation of three week's worth of meals you typically make and just follow whatever meal is in the rotation for any particular night. No decision necessary. It's already done.
Remember, it's okay to acknowledge and address decision fatigue—it's a common challenge, and finding strategies that work for you can make a significant difference.
Warm
regards,
