Five Ways To Minimize Decision Fatigue

Decisions, decisions. Almost everything involves making a decision. As physicians, we make decisions all day long at work. Many of those are serious decisions, as they involve life and death. The more decisions we make, the more tired we become making decisions.

Yes, decision fatigue is real. Have you noticed that, toward the end of the day, you become tired of making decisions, or it takes you longer to make a decision? Sometimes, you are so tired that you may not want to make a decision at all.

When you are experiencing decision fatigue, you do not want to make more decisions. If this happens during work, it is challenging because you know that some decisions need to be made, even though your brain is shutting down. It is harder for you to focus on your situation to make a decision based on careful weighing the risks and benefits. You tend to make a decision that is an easier choice, not necessarily the best choice.

To minimize fatigue from making decisions, the preparation step is very important. Prepare to have a good day by taking care of yourself. Make sure you get adequate sleep. When you are sleep deprived, it is difficult to retain information, gather data and make the most appropriate decision by understanding and analyzing the information you have.

The other part of preparation is to minimize decision-making opportunities by forming more habits. For example, you can have a set breakfast menu for the week. Or wearing a certain set of clothes. You want to save your decision capacity for the big decisions you will make during work.

The second thing you can do to minimize decision fatigue is to keep things simple. When the choices of a decision are similar in pros and cons, just pick one. Pick that decision and let it be the best decision according to the information you have. When you see a patient, you want to make the decision that is right for the patient. Allow yourself to be comfortable in making decisions. Avoid overthinking things. The more you think or question your decision, the more questions you may have, which will make you feel tired or frustrated.

Whenever you can, delegate. Delegate the tasks at hand. By doing this, you are actively minimizing the number of decisions you make in a day. Delegation saves you time. You become more efficient. Good teamwork makes the day easier and allows you to accomplish more than when you are the only one working.

This brings us to the fourth way to minimize decision fatigue – prioritize. Decide what decisions need to be made before others. Make the most complicated or the most life-threatening decisions in the morning when your mind is fresh.

The fifth thing is to take scheduled breaks throughout the day. Scheduled breaks allow you to have a chance to rest and recharge. No matter what you do and what decisions you make, it is essential to take breaks.

Decision fatigue can affect all of us. It is important to recognize what it is and how it impacts us negatively. Preparation is always important. Adequate sleep and creating routines are important. Do not overthink your decisions and keep things simple. Delegate your tasks whenever it is possible. Prioritize and make the most challenging or difficult decisions earlier in the day. Schedule time slots to take breaks throughout the day and let your brain rest and recharge.