In the ever-demanding world of leadership, making decisions is a constant—big or small, strategic or tactical, every choice shapes the path forward. But what happens when the sheer volume of decisions starts to take its toll? Decision fatigue—a state of mental exhaustion caused by the sheer number of choices leaders must make—can cloud judgement, slow progress, and lead to burnout.

Let’s explore how leaders can combat decision fatigue, streamline their decision-making processes, and make smarter choices under pressure.

Decision fatigue happens when the mental energy required to make decisions starts to diminish, leading to poor choices or the inability to decide at all. For leaders, this can result in:

• Impulsive decision-making.
• Avoiding decisions altogether.
• Reduced creativity and focus.

According to research by social psychologist Roy F. Baumeister, decision-making requires mental energy, which is a finite resource. When that energy is depleted, the quality of decisions suffers. For leaders, the stakes are high—every choice impacts their teams, businesses, and future outcomes.

The good news? Decision fatigue isn’t inevitable. Leaders can use practical strategies to reduce mental load and stay sharp under pressure.

1. Simplify Routine Choices

Barack Obama famously wore only grey or blue suits during his presidency to limit decision-making on trivial matters. Leaders can apply the same principle by:

• Automating minor decisions (e.g., scheduling meetings or meal prep).
• Delegating less critical tasks to trusted team members.
• Establishing routines to reduce daily choice-making.

Action Step: Identify three routine decisions you can simplify or delegate this week.

2. Prioritise and Plan Effectively

Not all decisions are created equal. Leaders need to focus their energy on high-impact choices by:

• Categorising decisions into “urgent,” “important,” and “delegable.”
• Using time-blocking to allocate focus to critical decisions during peak mental energy hours.
• Reviewing priorities daily to stay aligned with long-term goals.

Pro Tip: Tools like Eisenhower’s Matrix can help leaders visualise and prioritise effectively.

3. Limit Decision-Making Windows

Research shows that decision-making quality tends to decline as the day progresses. Leaders can combat this by:

• Scheduling high-stakes decisions early in the day.
• Creating “decision-free” afternoons for reflection and strategy work.
• Taking regular breaks to recharge mental energy.

Fun Fact: Studies show that even short breaks can restore cognitive function, helping leaders tackle decisions with fresh perspective.

1. Use Data-Driven Insights

When faced with complex decisions, leaders should lean on data to provide clarity. AI tools, like Sherpa AI, can analyse trends and offer actionable insights, enabling informed choices without emotional bias.

Example: A leader can use AI to assess team performance and identify areas needing improvement, streamlining decisions about resource allocation.

2. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness reduces stress and improves focus, making it a powerful tool for decision-making. Leaders can practice mindfulness by:

• Taking 5-10 minutes daily to meditate or engage in deep breathing.
• Using grounding exercises during high-pressure situations to stay present.
• Journaling thoughts to clear mental clutter before making decisions.

3. Seek Diverse Perspectives

Involving your team in decision-making not only reduces your individual cognitive load but also ensures well-rounded outcomes.

• Create a culture where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas.
• Use brainstorming sessions to evaluate multiple perspectives.
• Encourage healthy debate to uncover blind spots.

Remember: The best decisions are often collaborative, not solitary.

To lead effectively in the long run, leaders must build habits that prevent decision fatigue.

1. Prioritise Self-Care

Mental clarity comes from a healthy mind and body. Leaders should focus on:

• Getting 7-8 hours of sleep to restore cognitive function.
• Maintaining a balanced diet to support sustained energy levels.
• Regular exercise to reduce stress and improve focus.

2. Set Boundaries

Constant availability can drain decision-making reserves. Protect your mental energy by:

• Limiting after-hours emails or calls.
• Blocking off “focus time” in your calendar.
• Saying no to unnecessary commitments.

Action Tip: Set one boundary this week to protect your decision-making energy.

Every decision, whether successful or not, provides valuable lessons. Leaders can grow by:

• Reviewing key decisions weekly to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
• Celebrating small wins to boost confidence.
• Using feedback loops to refine their decision-making processes.

Bonus Tip: Keep a decision journal to track outcomes and identify trends over time.

Leading through complexity isn’t about making every decision perfectly—it’s about managing your energy, staying adaptable, and continuously learning. By embracing tools and strategies to combat decision fatigue, leaders can make smarter choices, inspire confidence in their teams, and drive lasting success.

What’s one decision-making habit you’ll focus on this week?