The Surprising Science of Decision Fatigue and How to Outsmart Your Brain

Have you ever felt drained and unable to make good decisions after a long day of work? Daniel Kahneman’s research in Thinking, Fast and Slow sheds light on the concept of decision fatigue — the depletion of mental energy required for effortful thinking.

System 2 thinking, responsible for deliberate and analytical thought, consumes significant cognitive resources. When engaged continuously, it leads to fatigue manifested by physiological changes like pupil dilation and increased heart rate, signaling the brain’s heavy workload.

This depletion reduces self-control and leads to reliance on the effortless System 1, increasing the risk of impulsive or poor decisions.

To combat decision fatigue, experts recommend prioritizing important decisions early in the day when mental energy is highest, automating routine choices through habits, and taking regular breaks to restore cognitive resources.

Understanding your brain’s limits empowers you to design your day for optimal decision-making, enhancing productivity, wellbeing, and satisfaction.

Sources: Synthesized from Medium, Coaching.com.sg, and Wizelit. 1 4 3