Decision fatigue is real

Mismatch theory denotes that, thanks to our evolutionary history, we are maladapted to thrive in the modern world. Unlike our ancestors who struggled for variety, we almost have too much. This can lead to decision fatigue with some sources saying we make around 36,000 decisions every day. No wonder we can feel overwhelmed, we only have a finite amount of brain power after all (try not to think of a white bear, dare ya). 

How do we make better decisions?

I try to create an idealised identity and then use this to inform my decision-making. An example, are you a smoker, someone who’s giving up smoking or a non-smoker? I wager if you identify as either of the first two, you will smoke a lot more. 

Self talk. 

“If you knew how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.”― Peace Pilgrim

Easier said than done. 

It would be a scary thing to see your thoughts transcribed. Some thoughts you can’t control as you’ll know if you’ve every attempted to meditate or journal. But you can start to shape the narrative. Talking to yourself like you would a friend is much more useful and constructive.  

The power of compounding. 

At 10 years old he started investing, by 30 he had a net worth of over $1 million (over $9 million in today’s money) and now in 2024 an estimated $133.6 billion. 

This man is Warren Buffet, one of the world's richest men and most respected investors. But what, if like most of us, he followed a more typical trajectory? 

If he started investing in his 30s and then got out of the game in his 60s to enjoy his retirement and many grandchildren. What would the difference be?

A rough estimate… 

Not billions.

But $11.9 million. A number so different it's hard to believe. 

Compounding shows that you can outperform the average with consistency. Chasing the big wins one year and not being able to replicate it the next means you will be dwarfed by those who take consistent action in the right direction. The sooner you start, the more time you will have to take advantage of its power.

Compounding doesn’t need to be just financial. I have been thinking about how compounding applies to my health, learning and skill development. I have been focusing on building consistent habits and systems that move me closer to my goals. 

Use it as motivation to start now not as a signal that there’s no point. There’s no fun in cheat codes and instant mastery after all.