THE POWER OF DECISIONS: A COACH’S PERSPECTIVE

Every decision we make involves cutting down other possibilities, which often feels like a loss. This sense of loss can weigh heavily, even in small choices—like picking a Netflix show—and becomes even more daunting when facing life’s bigger challenges.

In today’s complex world, decisions are everywhere, from the trivial to the transformative. Yet, our mental energy has limits, and decision fatigue—a state where the quality of decisions declines with the sheer number we make—poses a real challenge.

As a coach, understanding decision fatigue and equipping others to navigate it effectively is key to fostering resilience, clarity, and growth.

What Is Decision Fatigue?

Decision fatigue occurs when our ability to make quality judgments diminishes after a series of decisions. Think of your decision-making energy as a finite resource. Every choice, big or small, draws from it, leaving less mental clarity for subsequent decisions.

For leaders, entrepreneurs, or individuals navigating uncertainty, decision fatigue often shows up as procrastination, impulsive choices, or a sense of overwhelm.

A Coach’s Perspective on the Evolution of Choices

Our ancestors made survival-based decisions: food, safety, shelter. Today, we’re bombarded with endless options—from toothpaste brands to career paths. This explosion of options stretches our mental bandwidth. However, while our cognitive resources are finite, our capacity to manage them strategically is limitless with the right tools and frameworks.

The Cost of Decision Fatigue in Leadership and Life

Decision fatigue doesn’t just affect individuals—it can ripple across teams, organizations, and even families. Consider the research by Stanford professor Jonathan Levav: judges were far more likely to grant parole in the morning (70%) than later in the day (10%), irrespective of the cases. This highlights how fatigue influences even the most objective professionals.

For you as a leader, partner, or decision-maker, unchecked decision fatigue can lead to diminished productivity, strained relationships, and poor outcomes. Recognizing and addressing it is essential to thriving in today’s fast-paced world.

Strategies to Overcome Decision Fatigue

As your coach, I encourage you to approach decision fatigue with intention. Here’s how:

Prioritize High-Impact Decisions Early
Make your most important decisions when your mind is fresh. Reserve the first part of your day for critical thinking and reserve less demanding tasks for later.
Delegate and Empower
Hand off non-critical decisions to others. Not only does this lighten your load, but it also builds trust and fosters growth in your team or support network.
Streamline Options
Too many options can paralyze progress. Narrow down possibilities to a few key ones. Simple decision-making frameworks—like pros-and-cons lists or prioritization grids—can make the process easier.
Create Systems and Routines
Automate repetitive tasks and establish routines to reduce daily decision-making. This frees your mental energy for the decisions that truly matter.
Schedule Breaks
Your brain needs time to recharge. Regular pauses throughout the day can reset your mental energy and improve clarity.
Release Perfectionism
Not every decision needs to be flawless. “Good enough” is often better than indecision. The pursuit of perfection can drain you—focus on progress instead.

Shifting Perspective: Embracing Imperfect Decisions

Many decisions, when viewed from a broader lens, aren’t life-altering. When coaching clients, I encourage them to ask:

Will this decision matter in a month or a year?
What’s the worst that could happen if I choose imperfectly?
Can this decision be revisited or adjusted later?

This perspective helps to lower the stakes, reduce anxiety, and enable confident action.

Navigating the Fear of Better Options (FOBO)

In coaching, I often encounter clients paralyzed by the fear of making the “wrong” choice, also known as FOBO (Fear of Better Options). The truth is, most decisions don’t require perfection—just momentum. By making timely decisions and learning from their outcomes, you sharpen your intuition and decision-making muscles.

Reclaim Your Decision-Making Power

Decision-making is about creating clarity and alignment with your values. The ability to decide with confidence, even in the face of uncertainty, is a skill that can be cultivated. With intentional practice and strategies, you can move through life with less stress and more purpose.

Remember: Every decision is an opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward. As your coach, I’m here to guide you in navigating options with confidence and clarity.

Adapted from: Decision Fatigue: Understanding and Overcoming the Hidden Strain on Decision- Making by Leah Fessier, Chief Newsletter, October 2, 2024