Making choices can be draining. What you you want to eat, to wear, to do? When do you want to work out, to mow the lawn, to go to the park?
Where do you want to…
How do you want to…
The list is seemingly never-ending!
Instead of experiencing decision fatigue, make certain decisions once and let that be the end of it. Then you don’t have to waste time and energy deciding something everyday. I like doing this by having “rules” that I follow. It’s easier to say, I’m the kind of person who does ____ or who doesn’t do ____.”
Here are some examples:
• I work out everyday. Even when I don’t feel like it, I at least have to get on the bike for 30 minutes.
• I read and write something everyday.
• I brush my teeth every morning after breakfast and every night before bed. After I brush my teeth at night, I do not eat anything or drink anything other than water.
• I wear a seatbelt every time I’m in the car.
• I do not eat fast food.
• I do not “pay” for something on a credit card if I can’t afford it in cash (with the exception of a house).
• I do not participate in gossip. (This is the most challenging one.)
• When choosing what movie to watch on a streaming service, I only get five minutes to pick, (otherwise I’ll be scrolling forever).
These are just a few examples of rules I live by. Once you’ve established your own set of rules, you’ve made that decision once and you never have to make it again. Let it become ingrained in you. Follow the rules that you set and don’t break them. It will make everyday a little more effortless as you don’t have to make a decision on whether or not you should do something that you frequently encounter.