Decisions Are For Suckers: Avoid Decision Fatigue

We make 35,000 decisions every day (on average). That is a huge number of choices to make, and of course, they range from micro (which socks) to mundane (what to eat) to life-changing (take the job or not). Each has a varied level of pressure associated with it, depending on the gravity, and also the personality of the decider. But what if, at least in certain moments, decisions are for suckers.

This observation was made in a recent group coaching session. It shattered the usual pressure of weighty career decisions, allowing permission to recognize and value intuition, spontaneity, and a natural flow. We know that success, however you define it, rests on making aligned choices, but what if we could thrive without the pressure of capital-d Decision-making?

Avoid Decision Fatigue

Although it might feel like it, life doesn't always demand immediate decisions. Constantly making decisions is mentally and emotionally draining, leading to decision fatigue. When in fact, some ‘decisions’ can be avoided by allowing a situation to evolve and unfold naturally, without a weighty burden.

Picture this: a group of individuals engaged in a vibrant discussion about life's crossroads, contemplating the complexities of career choices, job applications, and portfolio pursuits. Among them, a woman faced the daunting task of choosing her next career move. The dialogue meandered through the realms of conventional job searches and the open-ended exploration of diverse activities, sparking a revelation—that decisions don't always have to be deliberate and definitive.

In this setting, the principle that "decisions are for suckers" was born. At its core, it offers liberation from the constant pressure of deciding things, especially when the path forward is unclear or when multiple options seem equally enticing. It is about trusting the natural ebb and flow of life, allowing opportunities to present themselves organically, and following intuition and instinct instead of succumbing to the paralyzing weight of decision-making.

Learning to Trust the Process

Teacher and coach, Michael Neil challenges people to make no decisions for an entire day. It's not about being inactive, paralyzed, or passive; it's about allowing life to unfold without the constraint of predetermined choices, embracing spontaneity, and trusting the innate wisdom within.

So, how does one practically apply this challenge to everyday situations? Imagine the mental gymnastics involved in deciding whether to attend an event—weighing pros and cons, considering weather conditions, and contemplating suitable attire. Now, consider a scenario where the event's cancellation or an unexpected invitation renders those intricate decision-making processes obsolete. The freedom from these mental burdens is noticeable.

It's not about completely neglecting responsibility or ignoring decisions in certain contexts. Instead, it's a call to recognize the moments when decisions can be deferred, allowing life's natural currents to guide the way. It's an invitation to be present, tune into one's intuition, and navigate the complexities of life with a newfound sense of ease.

A Natural Flow of Life

Within this approach to decision-making, consider the invitation to introspect. Reflect on three decisions you thought you had to make—be it about your career, social engagements, or daily routines. Instead of burdening yourself with the weight of choice, simply commit to not making these decisions. Allow life to surprise you, observe the natural course of events, and witness the freedom that comes from relinquishing the need to control every aspect of your journey.

In a world where the pressure to make decisions often feels overwhelming, embracing the art of non-decision-making can be transformative. It's an invitation to step back, trust the process, and experience the joy of living in the present moment, unencumbered by the constant need to decide. So, the next time life presents you with a choice, consider the liberating thought: decisions are for suckers; let life flow, and you might find the path ahead clearer and more unexpected than ever before.

By Nell Derick Debevoise, Senior Contributor