Decision Fatigue.
You know that heavy feeling that weighs you down at the end of a busy day, like you just can’t do anymore? That feelings known as decision fatigue- and its happening more than you think1
According to the strength model of self-control (Baumeister et al., 1998), our willpower operates like a muscle—it can tire out with repeated use. Every choice we make throughout the day, no matter how minor, uses up mental energy. As the day goes on and that energy depletes, our ability to make good decisions weakens. This is why you may find yourself scrolling aimlessly through your phone instead of focusing on your priorities or ordering takeout when you had planned to cook.
The good news is that with a few simple strategies, you can reduce the mental load and set yourself up for success. One of the most effective ways to combat decision fatigue is by automating small, daily decisions. Creating routines—like eating the same breakfast on weekdays or laying out your clothes the night before—helps free up mental space for more important choices. It's also helpful to prioritize big decisions earlier in the day, when your mental energy is fresh. Another strategy is using “if-then” planning, which means preparing yourself with default responses ahead of time. For example, “If I feel overwhelmed, then I’ll take a short walk” removes the pressure of deciding what to do in the moment.
When you start to feel mentally worn down, small adjustments can make a big difference. Taking short breaks throughout the day helps restore willpower, and staying nourished—especially avoiding skipped meals—can prevent low energy from compounding the fatigue.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Recognizing when your mental resources are running low is the first step to managing your energy more wisely.
By understanding the mechanics of decision fatigue and learning to work with your brain instead of against it, you can structure your day in a way that protects your focus and supports your overall well-being. Fewer decisions, made with more intention, means more clarity, energy, and space for what really matters.
Baumeister, R. F., Vohs, K. D., & Tice, D. M. (2007). The Strength Model of Self-Control. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 16(6), 351-355. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2007.00534.x (Original work published 2007)
You know that heavy feeling that weighs you down at the end of a busy day, like you just can’t do anymore? That feelings known as decision fatigue- and its happening more than you think1
According to the strength model of self-control (Baumeister et al., 1998), our willpower operates like a muscle—it can tire out with repeated use. Every choice we make throughout the day, no matter how minor, uses up mental energy. As the day goes on and that energy depletes, our ability to make good decisions weakens. This is why you may find yourself scrolling aimlessly through your phone instead of focusing on your priorities or ordering takeout when you had planned to cook.
The good news is that with a few simple strategies, you can reduce the mental load and set yourself up for success. One of the most effective ways to combat decision fatigue is by automating small, daily decisions. Creating routines—like eating the same breakfast on weekdays or laying out your clothes the night before—helps free up mental space for more important choices. It's also helpful to prioritize big decisions earlier in the day, when your mental energy is fresh. Another strategy is using “if-then” planning, which means preparing yourself with default responses ahead of time. For example, “If I feel overwhelmed, then I’ll take a short walk” removes the pressure of deciding what to do in the moment.
When you start to feel mentally worn down, small adjustments can make a big difference. Taking short breaks throughout the day helps restore willpower, and staying nourished—especially avoiding skipped meals—can prevent low energy from compounding the fatigue