Decision Fatigue: New on the Productivity Radar

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Have you ever wondered why some billionaires and entrepreneurs, such as Mark Zuckerberg and the late Steve Jobs, wear the same outfits repeatedly? Fear of developing “decision fatigue” is the answer. Decision Fatigue is a concept related to healthcare psychology. It simply refers to the fact that the more decisions we tend to make, the more we feel depleted and unable to focus on the significant aspects of our lives. As people make more decisions throughout the day, their ability to make sound decisions gradually decreases, leading to fatigue and potentially poor choices.

Decision fatigue is currently widely spread because, in our modern society, witnessing the rise of social media, technology, and consumerism, people are bombarded with an overwhelming number of choices and decisions to make daily. This does not just affect one’s productivity and overall well-being, but it can sometimes wreak havoc on mental health.

That is why there is a need to adopt coping mechanisms or mitigating strategies to optimize the decision-making process. One strategy that has been under the spotlight is “uniform dressing”, where people choose to wear similar outfits every day. By simplifying people’s wardrobe choices, they free up mental energy for more important decisions in their lives. Additionally, uniform dressing can also contribute to their public image by creating a consistent and recognizable personal brand.

The concept of decision fatigue is supported by various studies in psychology and behavioral economics. Some key points for scientific backing include “Ego Depletion”, a theory that suggests that self-control and decision-making draw from a finite pool of mental resources. As individuals make decisions throughout the day, this pool becomes depleted, leading to decreased willpower and poorer decision-making abilities.

Neurologically speaking, studies have found that decision-making tasks activate areas of the brain associated with self-control and executive function. Over time, prolonged decision-making can lead to decreased activity in these areas, indicating fatigue.

Other observational studies have documented how individuals exhibit decision fatigue in various contexts, such as consumer choices, where decision-making quality decreases after prolonged shopping or comparison. On the other hand, numerous experiments have demonstrated the effects of decision fatigue. A case in point is studies that have shown that judges are more likely to grant parole earlier in the day and after breaks when their decision-making faculties are less depleted.

Overall, the scientific evidence supports the idea that decision fatigue is a real phenomenon with measurable effects on cognitive functioning and behavior.

References

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ PMC4179677

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ PMC6119549

theguardian.com


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