35,000 Decisions a Day: Why You’re More Drained Than You Think
Did you know the average adult makes up to 35,000 decisions every single day?
It sounds impossible… until you start noticing them.
Should I walk the dog now or after my coffee?
What should I wear today? To this meeting?
Do I want maple syrup in my coffee today?
Should I reply to that message now or later?
What’s for lunch?
How will I feel if I eat this now?
These tiny choices — the micro-decisions — add up fast. And while they may seem insignificant on their own, they’re quietly draining our mental energy, focus, and willpower.
This is what’s known as decision fatigue, and if you’ve ever felt completely wiped by midday even though nothing “major” happened, this could be why.
The good news? Once you see it, you can do something about it.
Here’s Some Ways I’ve Started Reducing My Daily Decision Load:
1. Build routines where possible
The fewer decisions we need to make in the morning, the better our brain will function later in the day. I start most of my weekdays the same way:
Morning meditation before I get out of bed
Big glass of lemon water - lemons already pre-sliced and ready to squeeze.
Movement - stretching, dog walk
Coffee and pre-prepared overnight oats or protein pancakes
Morning planning, review yesterday's brain dump, and make my daily priority list
By putting the first 60–90 minutes of my day on autopilot, and making it for myself, I protect my mental energy for where it really matters.
2. Pre-decide what matters
Every Sunday, I map out my week.
Appointments, priorities, book in workouts, plan out meals, which days are we eating at home and what that looks like, which days we have dinner dates or events. Meal prep breakfasts, lunches and health snacks. These simple acts of planning take dozens of micro-decisions off my plate Monday–Friday and they help us stay clear, focused and energized.
This doesn’t mean rigidity — it means structure that supports flexibility. If plans change - it’s ok.
When things are up in the air, it’s intentional.
3. Simplifying my environment
More choices = more decisions.
This goes for everything from my wardrobe to my workspace to my phone. I’ve streamlined my closet (you already know I like wearing a lot of neutrals because it’s easier for my brain).
I keep my workspace minimal. Minimalism helps keep my brain less distracted.
Phone settings for reduced distractions, focus mode and DND (sorry, not sorry that I love DND).
4. Create “default settings” for common decisions
What do I wear to client meetings? → Set the outfit formula. Black trousers, black oversized tee, cute sneakers or pointed flats.
What do I eat for lunch? → We rotate 2–3 go-tos. Chicken salad bowls, egg scramble bowl, hard-boiled eggs, apple slices and cheese.
How do I unwind in the evening? → dog walk, soda water with lime, music, make dinner together.
Creating defaults reduces friction and makes it easier to stay aligned with your goals, especially when you're tired, busy, or overstimulated.
5. Let go of the myth that you have to do it all
This one’s less tactical, more truth.
You don’t have to make every decision. You don’t have to have a say in everything. Delegating, automating, and trusting others to lead frees you up, not just to do more, but to feel better.
Because if everything requires your input, your mind never gets to rest.
You are not lazy. You are likely just over-decided.
Start paying attention to where your energy is going — and you might be surprised at how many choices you're making before 10 AM.
The more we reduce the noise, the more we create space, for creativity, clarity, and the kind of focus that actually moves the needle.
Fewer decisions. More intention.
That’s where the magic lives.
If you want some extra support navigating decision fatigue, grab my FREE workbook where I walk you through the steps in your own life. Your brain will thank you!
