Ever feel like your brain just… stops working after a long day?

You’re not alone. Decision fatigue is real, and it can drain your mental energy faster than you think.

The more decisions you make, the less capable you become of making good ones.

By the end of the day, your ability to weigh options, think critically, and avoid impulsive choices plummets. It’s no wonder that after a long day of meetings, emails, and conversations, you're exhausted.

But there's hope!

I'll show you a few simple strategies top executives use to maintain their energy - without sacrificing productivity.

What is Decision Fatigue?

Decision fatigue happens when the brain becomes overwhelmed after making too many choices throughout the day.

Every decision—big or small—uses up mental energy.

Over time, this leads to poor choices, procrastination, or just feeling completely wiped out.

The result? You make impulsive decisions, avoid important tasks, or even give up on thinking things through.

How do I know if I'm feeling decision fatigue?

Here are some signs:

• Procrastination: You keep putting off decisions, no matter how minor they seem.
• Impulsive Choices: By the end of the day, you start saying “yes” to things you wouldn’t normally agree to.
• Mental Exhaustion: Even small tasks feel overwhelming, and you can’t seem to focus.
• Indecisiveness: You spend forever debating small choices (like what to eat for dinner) because your brain is tapped out.

How to Combat Decision Fatigue

Here are the proven strategies to cut down on decision fatigue and save your brainpower for what really matters:

Up and At 'Em':

Your brain is freshest in the morning, so tackle the big stuff when your mental energy is at its peak.

Save less important decisions for later in the day when fatigue is more likely to set in.

Reduce Your 'Choice Load':

Ever notice how many successful people wear the same thing every day? It’s not because they lack style—it’s because they’ve eliminated unnecessary choices.

The fewer small decisions you have to make, the more energy you can save for big ones.

Whether it’s your morning routine, meal planning, or scheduling recurring tasks, automate as much as possible.

Delegate or Delay:

Not every decision needs your attention. Be strategic about what truly requires your input and what can be delegated or delayed.

Prioritize the high-impact decisions, and give yourself permission to let the little things slide.

Get into a Rhythm:

Routines help reduce decision-making by turning actions into habits.

If you follow a routine, you don’t have to decide when to work out, when to check email, or when to start certain tasks—it just happens.

Take Small Breaks:

Decision fatigue sets in faster if you don’t take time to recharge.

Short, frequent breaks can help your brain reset and maintain focus throughout the day. Even a quick 5-minute break can make a huge difference.

​

You don’t have to be a victim of decision fatigue.

By simplifying your day, automating small decisions, and protecting your mental energy, you can stay sharp and make better decisions when it counts.

Until next week,

Shaun

​