{"id":720,"date":"2021-02-25T12:57:02","date_gmt":"2021-02-25T18:57:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/?p=720"},"modified":"2022-12-19T13:25:06","modified_gmt":"2022-12-19T19:25:06","slug":"tips-for-fighting-decision-fatigue-in-uncertain-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/tips-for-fighting-decision-fatigue-in-uncertain-times\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips For Fighting Decision Fatigue in Uncertain Times"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As humans we make hundreds of decisions every day. What to eat, what to wear, walk or ride, talk or listen\u2026 decisions, decisions, decisions! Over time those decisions can wear us down, sometimes resulting in decision paralysis\u2014otherwise called decision fatigue. Decision fatigue is simply when the weight of a person\u2019s many decisions negatively affects their ability to make future decisions. Usually in this stress, a person\u2019s ability to make additional decisions becomes worse. <\/span><sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[1]<\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Maybe you have been there? Maybe you are there now?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What are some causes of decision fatigue?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Has Covid worn you out? Is your mental gas tank running on empty? The truth is, you\u2019ve battled a pandemic, navigated shutdowns and mandates; you\u2019ve cared for hurting friends, family, and congregations; you\u2019ve made travel changes, food changes, hygiene changes, and even routine changes\u2014all of this already added on to a stressful and full life. The result for some\u2026 decision fatigue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the face of this uncertainty, if you\u2019ve found it difficult to make decisions at times\u2014even small ones like what\u2019s for dinner\u2014then maybe you are facing a level of decision fatigue. And if you are, you are not alone! Here are a few questions to consider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>What are some signs of decision fatigue?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to healthline.com here are a few ways to identify decision fatigue:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Procrastination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Impulsiveness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indecision or avoidance of making decisions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability and even depression<\/span> <sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[2]<\/span><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If some of these signs are becoming more and more consistent in your life, then maybe you are facing a level of decision fatigue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>3 Reasons why is it important for you to address your decision fatigue<\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If decision fatigue lingers on for an extended time, a person could be on a road to <\/span><b><i>quick burnout.<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> And, as leaders, burnout is not the place we want to be in.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An individual who is struggling with decision fatigue is <\/span><b><i>prone to making poor decisions<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">! Often the process for evaluating a decision is cut short due to the fatigue. The result is a poorly executed decision.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decision fatigue <\/span><b><i>kills your focus and destroys your willpower<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As leaders we need to be continually aware of our temptations and weaknesses. Power, self-control, lust, ego, pride\u2014these are all temptations that make leaders vulnerable. When you are exhausted and prone to poor decisions, your ministry is at risk.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4>If I am facing some decision fatigue, what should I do?<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one can simply stop making decisions. In fact, one study shows the average adult makes 35,000 decisions a day! <\/span><sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[3]<\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If we can\u2019t just stop, then what do we do?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Re-Prioritize<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Prioritize time with God<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The answer to any dilemma we face is always to take it to God first. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is almost a clich\u00e9 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). <\/span><sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[4]<\/span><\/sup><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Prioritize self-care<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Eat nutritionally, get plenty of sleep, exercise, take sabbaths, find healthy hobbies, and take naps. Jesus napped; so should you! (Mark 4:38) <\/span><sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[5]<\/span><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><i>Plan Ahead<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><strong>Eliminate minor decisions<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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. <\/span><sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[2]<\/span><\/sup><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Address important decisions early in the day<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><i>Allow others to help<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Seek Christian community<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><i>Remember God\u2019s sovereignty<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Trust God and rest in the knowledge that He will work everything out for your good.<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Knowing that\u2014as you seek God and His Kingdom\u2014good 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).<\/span> <sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[4]<\/span><\/sup><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><strong>God is sovereign even in wrong decisions.<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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). <\/span><sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4]<\/span><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decision fatigue is a subtle and dangerous exhaustion that can deplete and wreck a ministry leader. Don\u2019t walk the road alone if you are seeing the symptoms in your life. I\u2019m 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-reading-box-container reading-box-container-1\" style=\"--awb-title-color:#333333;--awb-margin-top:0px;--awb-margin-bottom:45px;\"><div class=\"reading-box reading-box-center\" style=\"background-color:#f6f6f6;border-width:1px;border-color:#f6f6f6;border-top-width:3px;border-top-color:var(--primary_color);border-style:solid;\"><div class=\"reading-box-additional\">\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Growth Point<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decision fatigue is a common and dangerous exhaustion that negatively affects a person\u2019s ability to make good decisions and puts their ministry and leadership at risk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scripture Point<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read Proverbs 3:5-13. Reflect on the truths presented here.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Action Point:<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><h6><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[1] <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/decision-fatigue#is-it-real\">https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/decision-fatigue#is-it-real<\/a><\/span><\/h6>\n<h6><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[2] <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/decision-fatigue#how-to-handle-it\">https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/decision-fatigue#how-to-handle-it<\/a><\/span><\/h6>\n<h6><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[3] <a href=\"https:\/\/psychology.stackexchange.com\/questions\/17182\/basis-for-we-make-35-000-decisions-a-day-statistic\">https:\/\/psychology.stackexchange.com\/questions\/17182\/basis-for-we-make-35-000-decisions-a-day-statistic<\/a><\/span><\/h6>\n<h6><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[4] <a href=\"https:\/\/parentingpathway.org\/five-ways-to-overcome-decision-fatigue\/\">https:\/\/parentingpathway.org\/five-ways-to-overcome-decision-fatigue\/<\/a><\/span><\/h6>\n<h6><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[5] <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hungrygen.com\/nap\/\">https:\/\/www.hungrygen.com\/nap\/<\/a><\/span><\/h6>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":721,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-720","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-personal-health-and-renewal","category-eng"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/720","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=720"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/720\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":725,"href":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/720\/revisions\/725"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/721"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=720"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=720"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/reconciledworld.org\/flourish\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=720"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}