Thousands of Decisions a Day
Most of us think of decision-making as something reserved for big moments, career choices, financial commitments, and major life changes. But in reality, the bulk of our decisions are tiny and nearly invisible.
Researchers estimate that the average person makes thousands of decisions every
single day. What to wear. What to eat. When to respond to a message. Whether to push through fatigue or take a break. Whether to scroll, stand up, sip coffee, or glance at the clock. These micro-decisions happen constantly, often without us even realizing it.
The interesting part isn’t the number. It’s the
impact.
Each decision, no matter how small, draws from the same mental energy pool. That’s why by the end of the day, even simple choices can feel surprisingly hard. It’s not that the decision itself is difficult. It’s that your brain has already been working all day long.
This helps explain why evenings can feel foggy, why decision-making feels heavier when we’re tired, and why we sometimes default to the easiest option instead of the best one. It’s not a lack of discipline; it’s mental fatigue.
What’s
reassuring about this is that it normalizes something many people quietly feel: you’re not broken if you feel mentally tired. Your brain has been doing a lot of invisible work.
One helpful takeaway is awareness. When you notice that decision fatigue is setting in, it’s often a cue to slow down, simplify, or delay choices
when possible. Not every decision needs to be made immediately, and not every option needs to be considered deeply.
Sometimes the most supportive thing you can do for yourself is to reduce the number of decisions you expect yourself to make in a given
moment.
Understanding how decision-heavy daily life really is can build compassion, for yourself and for others. Everyone is carrying more cognitive load than it appears.
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Here's what just one GON reader had to say...
"Once again, Maria, I am touched by your sensitivity, caring and clear-sight in your
December 31st issue. While others are promoting BIG Changes for the New Year, your message is a breath of comfort. Thank you!"-- Raina G.
