Decision Fatigue
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
Willpower is a limited resource, like a muscle. As more decisions are made throughout the day (no matter how small), the brain's executive function gradually depletes, leading to a decline in the quality of subsequent decisions (becoming impulsive or avoidant).
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Energy budget: explains why Jobs and Zuckerberg wear only one type of clothing—to save limited decision-making capacity for important matters. Guides us to schedule important work in the morning and avoid making major decisions at night.
Anchor fast decisions
Self-control relies on limited psychological resources, which are depleted with the accumulation of decisions, leading to a decline in the quality of subsequent decisions (impulsivity or avoidance). The mechanism is 'self-control resource depletion → decision degradation', and it is weakest in the evening.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/4Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decision_fatigueverified
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