Choice overload and why making little decisions is so difficult

Choice overload and the commonly used term “decision fatigue” may have similar outcomes, but they cut different paths through indecision. Choice overload occurs when the number of options is too large; decision fatigue comes from the number of decisions made.

Australian Psychology Society chief executive Dr Zena Burgess says decision fatigue owes to high levels of stress and anxiety in everyday life which leave us less equipped to make decisions.

“Decision fatigue often shows itself with smaller decisions,” Burgess says. “Fatigue can build up over time …  Some signs might include being more irritable and having trouble processing information.”

She says it’s possible to ease decision-making fatigue by creating a routine for your day, or including some predictability. For example, following a weekly meal plan removes the daily task of choosing what to eat.

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Just do it

Blijlevens says that better decision-making in the event of choice overload can be as simple as just doing it. Often, she says, we get in our own way.

“We all kind of go: ‘uh, I’m done for today, I can’t make any more decisions’. But if I were to give you a decision to make on something that you’re passionate about, then I’m sure you’d happily do it,” she says.

Still can’t decide? Blijlevens recommends these quick tips:

• Prioritise: Make difficult decisions earlier in the day, after a good night’s sleep, when you’re more energised.
• Aim for “good enough”: When making inconsequential decisions, you don’t need to make a perfect choice; just make it good enough. This is called “satisfying the decision”.
• Reduce the choice volume: “Rely on what your gut is telling you, because the things we often do are habits which form because they have been rewarding in the past,” Blijlevens says.
• Randomise: Close your eyes and point. Pick a number. Flip a coin.
• Delegate: “If you are at a restaurant with a huge menu, pick the same as someone else. We always want to choose something different from another person, but nothing will happen if you pick the same thing.”
• One reason is enough: Don’t bother with the pros and cons list, go with the first reason that comes to mind.
• Reduce your decisions: “Only give yourself two choices for breakfast; ask AI to help you schedule or plan; or create a capsule wardrobe.”
• Sleep on it: Take a shower. Exercise. Channel that unconscious decision-making power.

What about bigger life decisions?

Decisions with larger consequences can be more challenging, particularly if the individual feels as if they are going against what is expected or if the outcome could be perceived as a loss to themselves or others, Burgess says.

If the process is causing emotional discomfort, Burgess recommends talking to a psychologist.

“Psychologists are well placed to help people navigate the emotional complexities of difficult decisions,” she says.

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