What is Decision Fatigue?

Decision fatigue - the psychological term for decision-making exhaustion. In simple terms, it means that your ability to make sound decisions deteriorates after making a series of them. This state is caused by the depletion of mental energy and leads to poor judgment and increased impulsivity.

A difficult decision, regardless of how significant or unimportant it may seem, requires a considerable amount of cognitive power in our brains. However, as we continue to make more choices throughout the day, our capacity for rational thinking weakens – like a muscle deprived of sufficient rest. Therefore, we tend to be indecisive or even completely avoid crucial decisions when under decision fatigue.

The consequences of decision fatigue can extend far beyond everyday life. They could permeate into vital areas such as health care, finance and law enforcement - where errors in judgment have severe implications that cannot be easily corrected.