Why We Make Bad Decisions

We occupy a free market world. That indicates a wide range of options.

It also means that we frequently make the wrong decision. For example, we frequently select cookies over veggies, parties over rest, and gorgeous shoes over snow boots. We prefer to watch Netflix and “comfort meals,” especially on Friday nights.

I’ve never heard anyone boast about how successful their fast food and cafe diet has been, but we still make these awful choices even if we KNOW they are bad ones. And it’s not because we despise ourselves; it’s just because we’re sick of choosing.

The capacity to make challenging decisions and adhere to them is what our parents referred to as “willpower.” However, our willpower supplies are finite, as Dan Ariely of Duke University points out in “Understanding Ego Depletion.” We frequently deplete those reservoirs. We get up early on Monday morning, go for a stroll, and pack a nutritious lunch because we have plenty. We start referring to Cheetos as breakfast by Friday.

Though it’s a novel concept, decision fatigue is extremely real. More decisions are made today than ever before by our forebears, who awoke at six in the morning to feed the starving cows. There were no eggs, so they had oatmeal for breakfast. They only purchased one Christmas present because everyone else did. And I think it made them happier.

In the business world, the guys who are under the most pressure typically take measures to reduce the amount of decisions they must make each day. Every day, Steve Jobs ate the same breakfast and wore the same clothing. When it came time to make the BIG decisions, he wouldn’t have as much willpower if he had used it to choose his cereal.

How can we keep our willpower from running out? Habits.

The daily practice of waking up at the same hour.

Having the same breakfast every day.

Training at the same time every day.

Allowing another person to select our workouts.

I make an effort to delegate as many decisions as I can. Additionally, I don’t frequently second-guess my choices because doing so is draining. It is actually preferable to act quickly and repair your mistakes afterwards than to procrastinate. Making a decision is typically harder than living with it.

Make every effort to limit the judgments you need to make if you’re starting to exercise more or improving your nutrition after a challenging couple of weeks. Participate in a six-week challenge and follow the rules. Attend an oly class. Prepare your meals on Sunday so that you will be relaxed and fresh. Follow someone else’s strategy until the habits become second nature. Save your willpower for dealing with your employer and shield your ego.

It’s not necessary to perform flawless exercises every day. You’re not required to develop a novel diet or read a ton of books. Analysing will help you avoid paralysis. My coach instructs me on what to do and how to accomplish it, and I then leave the gym to make wiser judgments.