Today, the topic of decision fatigue came across my desk and I thought YES! That’s it. That’s what so many of us are struggling with. We make so many decisions from the time we open our eyes until our feet stop moving at night that we’re overworking our decision making muscles continually.  It’s like asking our legs to run a marathon day after day after day and expecting them not to be tired.

How can we reduce the overwhelm that comes with the constant onslaught of decisions needing our attention? Here are just a few suggestions:

1) Make the most important decisions early in the day when you’re fresh. This is akin to the adage of doing the most unpleasant task first so that it’s out of the way and you no longer have to percolate on it throughout the day.

2) Treat simple decisions like simple decisions. If it’s not life altering, don’t give it the power to overwhelm you. (no Vickie – it does not matter whether you order the strawberry feta salad or the mango walnut salad –  just decide!)

3) Ask yourself – Will this matter in 10 minutes, 10 months, 10 years? Act accordingly

4) Feeling hangry? Eat something before deciding on anything!!

5) Feeling hormonal? Decide nothing major !

6) For the really big decisions, why not make a list of pros and cons and then sleep on it. Reread it in the morning after your morning ritual when you’re fresh and ready to take on the world. Decide. Bless it and release it. It’s done.

Consider making this your motto “do less, but do it better.”

7)  Use your intuition.  The first thing that pops into your mind (or your gut) is usually the right thing. Learn to trust yourself, above all else.

8) Take the decision making out of the decision time. Set yourself up to go through the motions doing things like:

• Getting your clothes out for work the night before
• Making the lunches
• Setting up the coffee
• Setting your yoga mat and DVD player up
• Preparing your desk for the most important task of the next day BEFORE you go home at night8) Use your intuition.  The first thing that pops into your mind (or your gut) is usually the right thing. Learn to trust yourself, above all else.

In the end, don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.  

Oil Tip – Do you find it hard to stay on track and making solid decisions?  Try diffusing any doTERRA grounding oil such as Douglas Fir, Cardamom, Balance, or In Tune.

One of my favourite diffuser blends for focus is 2 drops Rosemary , 2 drops Lemon, 2 drops Peppermint. Voila!