As a leader in an ever-changing environment, you need to take many complex decisions. At times, this can be very daunting. This article will help you with practical tips on being the most effective in making optimal decisions to avoid fatigue.
Most of our life is on auto-mode powered by our subconscious mind. This part of the mind stores all past information, deep learnings and knowledge. Neuroscientists say that 95% of our mind is subconscious and only 5% is conscious. This conscious part of the mind is responsible for all logical and analytical reasoning, visualizing, creativity and decision making, which consumes a lot of energy. Therefore, when we use it too much, we feel drained.
The key is to use the conscious mind as little as possible and save your energy for the complex decision-making process. Through your routine life, it’s advisable to stay on auto-mode and do your regular stuff as normally as you would. This sounds contrary to the spiritual practices which talk about being “in the now” and staying conscious as much as possible. However, spiritual practitioners are aware of this fact and utilize them most effectively.
John Tierney, coauthor of the New York Times bestselling book “Willpower,” says, “Decision fatigue helps explain why ordinarily sensible people get angry at colleagues and families, splurge on clothes, and buy junk food at the supermarket. No matter how rational and high-minded you try to be, you can’t make decision after decision without paying a biological price. It’s different from ordinary physical fatigue — you’re not consciously aware of being tired — but you’re low on mental energy.”
Hence, as a leader, you need to learn how to automate or delegate most of their decisions and build a capable team. You need to reduce the number of decisions you take to free your mind to create a new vision! And you will find yourself far less stressed, happier and more effective.