Priority is Binary
Discover why priority isn't a scale but a binary choice—and how this perspective can improve your focus, productivity and decision-making.
November 12, 2024
9min
Decision Fatigue
Decision fatigue describes the decline in decision quality after making many choices. As cognitive resources deplete, people rely more on defaults, avoidant choices, or simplistic rules.
Drivers include choice overload, time pressure and self-control demands.
The "ego depletion" model is debated, but the general effort and attention limits are well supported.
Reduce it by using strong defaults (morning routines, standard work blocks), batching similar decisions (meal plan, clothing) and preparing choices the evening before. During important work, remove optionality: a single clear task in a protected time box.