As humans we make hundreds of decisions every day. What to eat, what to wear, walk or ride, talk or listen… decisions, decisions, decisions! Over time those decisions can wear us down, sometimes resulting in decision paralysis—otherwise called decision fatigue. Decision fatigue is simply when the weight of a person’s many decisions negatively affects their ability to make future decisions. Usually in this stress, a person’s ability to make additional decisions becomes worse. [1] Maybe you have been there? Maybe you are there now?
What are some causes of decision fatigue?
In short, decision fatigue is caused by an overload of decision making. Social decisions, occupational decisions, and even leisure decisions can contribute to decision fatigue. However, the more complex the decisions, the quicker the energy levels are depleted.
Has Covid worn you out? Is your mental gas tank running on empty? The truth is, you’ve battled a pandemic, navigated shutdowns and mandates; you’ve cared for hurting friends, family, and congregations; you’ve made travel changes, food changes, hygiene changes, and even routine changes—all of this already added on to a stressful and full life. The result for some… decision fatigue.
In the face of this uncertainty, if you’ve found it difficult to make decisions at times—even small ones like what’s for dinner—then maybe you are facing a level of decision fatigue. And if you are, you are not alone! Here are a few questions to consider.
What are some signs of decision fatigue?
According to healthline.com here are a few ways to identify decision fatigue:
- Procrastination
- Impulsiveness
- Indecision or avoidance of making decisions
- Irritability and even depression [2]
If some of these signs are becoming more and more consistent in your life, then maybe you are facing a level of decision fatigue.
3 Reasons why is it important for you to address your decision fatigue
- If decision fatigue lingers on for an extended time, a person could be on a road to quick burnout. And, as leaders, burnout is not the place we want to be in.
- An individual who is struggling with decision fatigue is prone to making poor decisions! Often the process for evaluating a decision is cut short due to the fatigue. The result is a poorly executed decision.
- Decision fatigue kills your focus and destroys your willpower. As leaders we need to be continually aware of our temptations and weaknesses. Power, self-control, lust, ego, pride—these are all temptations that make leaders vulnerable. When you are exhausted and prone to poor decisions, your ministry is at risk.
If I am facing some decision fatigue, what should I do?
No one can simply stop making decisions. In fact, one study shows the average adult makes 35,000 decisions a day! [3] If we can’t just stop, then what do we do?
Re-Prioritize
- Prioritize time with God. The answer to any dilemma we face is always to take it to God first. It is almost a cliché to say start each day in Bible study and prayer. It seems too simple but, as you roll out of bed and hit the day running, it is easy to skip this step in your morning routine. Starting the day by reminding yourself you are loved by God and He is your guide has enormous power to set the tone for your entire day (Psalm 143:8). [4]
- Prioritize self-care. Eat nutritionally, get plenty of sleep, exercise, take sabbaths, find healthy hobbies, and take naps. Jesus napped; so should you! (Mark 4:38) [5]
Plan Ahead
- Eliminate minor decisions. Reduce decision drain by planning ahead and taking relatively minor decisions out of the equation. For example, take your lunch to work to avoid having to decide which restaurant to order from. Or lay out your clothes for work the night before. [2]
- Address important decisions early in the day. Need to respond to a tough phone call or complete a difficult task? Do those things first to avoid the poor choices of decision fatigue later in the day.
Allow others to help
- Seek Christian community. As you wrestle with the decisions facing you, seek advice and encouragement from your church, family, mentors, and trusted friends. Seeking wise counsel is always helpful.
Remember God’s sovereignty
- Trust God and rest in the knowledge that He will work everything out for your good. Knowing that—as you seek God and His Kingdom—good is going to result from your decisions, regardless whether things pan out the way you imagined or not, should give your heart and mind peace (Romans 8:28). [4]
- God is sovereign even in wrong decisions. The pressure to make the right decision can be crippling. It is comforting to remember the grace and mercy God has for you in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16). [4]
Decision fatigue is a subtle and dangerous exhaustion that can deplete and wreck a ministry leader. Don’t walk the road alone if you are seeing the symptoms in your life. I’m here to listen and pray with you! May God grant you His wisdom, strength, and peace as you continue to navigate the difficult roads ahead of you.
Growth Point:
Decision fatigue is a common and dangerous exhaustion that negatively affects a person’s ability to make good decisions and puts their ministry and leadership at risk.
Scripture Point:
Read Proverbs 3:5-13. Reflect on the truths presented here.
Action Point:
Take a 30 minute walk this week and evaluate your health status. Pray, reflect, and consider how God may want you to combat the decision fatigue you may be facing with the suggestions presented above.
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