Nobody likes being stuck in a rut. In a world full of options, settling for the same thing every time feels like losing.
We tolerate it because it’s easy, not because we like it. But it doesn’t stay easy. Eventually, we get tired of the same old routine, and the last small ounce of enjoyment we got from it dissipates. It’s only then that we’re left wondering what to do next.
What do we do then? Once our go-to option is exhausted we have to seek out a new one to take its place. This mindset is dangerous. It sets us up for this endless cycle of mediocrity.
So why are we doing this to ourselves? Decision fatigue is to blame.
Decision fatigue is the result of our complicated lives. Everyone has a lot going on and we are forced to make choices every day. We have to choose what clothes to wear, what size coffee to get, what project to work on, and even what to have for lunch. All of these choices wear on us. We cope with this by building routines. We wear the blue tie on Fridays, we go for the large coffee, we take care of the work assigned yesterday, and we get lunch from the food truck near the office. We establish these easy daily patterns so we can have more energy to decide on other things.
And while we think we’re being clever by saving all of this decision energy in this way, it can still be mentally taxing. Routines are comfortable but also boring. When routines become boring they become ruts, and being stuck in a rut can be as taxing as having to make decisions constantly.
So how can we overcome falling into a rut without struggling with decision fatigue? The trick is to find solutions that make choices easier, especially around choices prone to becoming noticeable ruts. You’re probably more frustrated by eating the same thing every day compared to wearing the same tie or shoes.
Pre-planning your options can go a long way. Decision fatigue is annoying when you’re making decisions in the moment but not when you’re planning ahead of time. Set some time aside to think about the parts of your life that have fallen into a rut. Some things will be easier than others. Changing where you get lunch is a lot less work than changing jobs. Start with something approachable, it will set up you for success and encourage future changes.
Once you have an idea of what you want to change, start brainstorming solutions. Maybe you want to stop relying on the food truck at the office for lunch. Find some other nearby options that fit your needs. It might sound like work but it’s actually really fun shopping around for new things you’d enjoy. Write down any new ideas you come across. Make sure that these ideas are saved to a place you’ll remember. It can be in an app or on a piece of paper, but it can’t be kept in your head (your hardwired routine will overpower it in there). You can break out this list of ideas the next time you have to make a related choice. You won’t find yourself falling back into the usual rut in order to avoid searching for alternatives in the moment.
Break the cycle. Bring excitement and variety back into your life. It’s as easy as making a list.
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