How to put some decisions on auto-pilot. Reduce your stress.

Table of Contents

I don’t find making decisions that difficult, but there’s a reason for that. That’s because I try to reduce the number of decisions I have to make every day, which reduces my stress level. I will address a way to do this in this post.

Decision types

The analytical types

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The process of making decisions is truly fascinating, as it reflects the unique characteristics and behaviors of individuals. Some people prefer to meticulously analyze and gather information before making a decision. For this person, thoroughness and accuracy are important. However, it’s interesting to note that there can be a downside to this approach as well. Those who lean towards this method might sometimes find themselves experiencing the “paralysis of analysis,” where the abundance of information can lead to indecision or inaction.

The not-so-analytical types

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On the other hand, individuals who trust their instincts make quick decisions. These people fly by the seat of their pants. Sometimes they make good decisions, sometimes not. Generally speaking, they make emotional decisions. Trusting one’s instincts can be a powerful tool, especially in situations where quick decisions are required. The ability to trust one’s intuition can lead to swift and effective decisions. It demonstrates a sense of confidence and self-assuredness.

When individuals rely on their instincts, they often operate on a subconscious level. They draw from their past experiences and emotions to guide their decision-making process. This can lead to spontaneity and quick conclusions because they trust their gut feelings. While this approach can work, it also carries the risk of overlooking careful analysis and rational thinking.

Emotions can rule

Emotional factors may heavily influence the choices made, affecting the overall outcome. Therefore, it’s essential to strike a balance between intuition and deliberate consideration. When making decisions, leveraging the strengths of both methods gets the best results.

Best practices for making good decisions.

However, for many, the optimal approach lies in a combination of these methods, using research and intuition in tandem. A balanced approach ensures that decisions are well-informed yet adaptable to each situation’s unique demands.

Both approaches have value, and good decision-makers adapt their process based on the significance of the matter at hand. This flexible approach reflects a well-balanced mindset. It acknowledges the importance of thorough analysis in certain situations. But it also embraces the power of intuition when necessary.

Overall, there is no one-size-fits-all method for making decisions.

Best? Fewer Decisions.

But the best thing to do is to have fewer decisions to make in the first place. I’m doing that by trying to put as many decisions as I can on auto-pilot.

Practical decision-making

Let me share how I’m doing that in some very practical areas.

Should I have to think through whether or not to return my cart to the cart corral? (I wish more people would think to return their carts.)

Does it require a decision each Sunday about whether or not I will go to church?

How about deciding whether to have my time with God every morning?

Should it require a decision each morning about whether I make the best as soon as I get up?

Clean up the kitchen before I go to bed?

What about “please” and “thank you”? Should it really require a decision?

Do you see where I”m heading with these questions?

Decision fatigue

Decision-making is a crucial aspect of daily life and is often directly linked to the multitude of choices available to us. In this world, choices and the abundance of options can be overwhelming. Whether it’s deciding on what to have for dinner, choosing a movie to watch, activities, or making spending decisions, the sheer number of choices can be daunting. All these choices can lead to decision fatigue, making it challenging to arrive at a clear choice.

A digital abstract image with a concentric circular pattern resembling a stylized tree ring or ripple, rendered in a vibrant, oil-painting-like texture with a gradient of colors from blue-green at the top to warm oranges and yellows at the bottom.

If we reduce the number of choices, we will automatically reduce the number of decisions we make. And then, if we can make some of those decisions automatically, we even further reduce the number of decisions we have to make. That frees us up to concentrate on really important decisions.

Examples

I have adopted a clothing bias. When I try on an item, if it feels uncomfortable, it goes to the donation pile. If it doesn’t look good, it goes. If it doesn’t fit well, it goes. Is the style too girlish or too trendy? Gone. And if I haven’t worn it in for at least six months (as long as it isn’t occasion-specific), it certainly goes.

I don’t want so many choices anymore. How about you?

I have slowly been eliminating household items I don’t use—in some cases, I’ve never used them. It’s been a slow go, but every time I get rid of something, I feel a sense of relief. If I bring something into my home, something similar has to go. See what I mean about reducing the options for decision-making? I find the energy it requires to make decisions takes away my ability to focus on this blog, my books, etc.

Oh, and I did something I still can’t believe I did.

I have unsubscribed from many of the blogs I used to follow. Don’t get me wrong—I loved each and every one of them—but that is time once again taken away from posting and writing.

Preserve your energy for important decisions.

Never underestimate the mental energy required to make decisions. Doesn’t it make sense that our brains can get overwhelmed?

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I think of the people I know who are beginning a long process of battling an illness. All those doctor’s appointments, all the decisions required for each stage of the journey. It’s easy to understand how overwhelming all the choices can be. But it doesn’t need to be that way for most of us living our everyday lives.

I need to preserve my energy in order to do what I believe God has called me to do.

What about you? Do you find decision-making energy-depleting? Wouldn’t you like to save your mental energy for the important decisions you have to make and put the rest on auto-pilot?

Maybe creating a menu will work for you so you don’t have to think about meal planning. Maybe knowing what you are going to wear the next day will give you extra mental energy. There are so many ways we can, do I dare say the word because it’s so overused, simplify our lives.

Give it a try.

I hope you have a wonderful day today and that you find ways to make your lives easier by making fewer decisions.

God bless.

PS. Tomorrow, I plan on focusing on our faith and decision-making. When we live within God’s will, decision-making is much easier.