Hick's Law

Hick's law describes the relationship between the number of alternatives and decision time: as options grow, reaction time tends to rise (roughly with the logarithm of the number of choices).

In knowledge work it shows up as long menus, sprawling backlogs and settings that paralyze action. The cost is not just seconds—it is decision fatigue and abandoned intent.

Reduce simultaneous choices: fewer priorities per week, not-to-do lists, sensible defaults and if–then plans so the right move is often automatic. Eisenhower-style triage also cuts the decision set before you optimize details.