Have you ever felt completely drained after making many decisions in a single day? I’ve been there. Working in a startup is like being on a rollercoaster—exciting but also incredibly exhausting at the same time. The constant need to make decisions, big and small, reduce your ability to make good choices. This can lead to impulsive decisions and less self-control. But I found some tricks to handle this decision fatigue, and this can make a huge difference.
Simple Ways to Avoid Decision Fatigue:
1. Develop Routines
One of the first things I did was develop routines. I decided what to wear and what to eat for breakfast the night before. This simple change reduced the number of decisions I had to make in the morning, allowing me to start the day with a clear mind. For example, I always eat the same breakfast and park my vehicle in the exact same location every day. These routines free up my mental energy for more important decisions during the day.
2. Limit Your Options
Too many choices can be overwhelming. Have you ever stood in front of a shelf full of cereals and felt unable to pick one? I learned to limit my options. When choosing software tools for our projects, I narrow it down to the top three. This way, I spend less time comparing and more time acting. The more you keep comparing, the less likely you will end up in good decisions.
3. Make Important Decisions Earlier
My brain is like a fresh sponge in the morning. That’s when I tackle the tough decisions. I noticed I think more clearly and make better choices early in the day. So, I schedule my most critical tasks for the morning, leaving the afternoons for easier stuff. It’s a game-changer.
4. Make a Checklist
Checklists are my saviors, especially after long working hours. Have you ever gone shopping after a long day and ended up buying things you didn’t need? That used to be me. Now, I use checklists for everything, from grocery shopping to planning my tasks. It keeps me focused and stops me from making impulsive decisions.
5. Set Time Limit
Long meetings with no end in sight used to drain me. I started setting time limits for discussions and decisions. If we can’t decide within the set time, we move on and revisit it later. This keeps meetings short, sweet, and productive.
Final Thoughts
These simple tricks have helped me reduce decision fatigue and stay productive. If you’re struggling with too many decisions, try these tips and see how they work for you. Turning the chaos of startup life into a smoother ride is possible with clearer minds and a stronger focus.
