From the course: Nano Tips to Think Faster and Make Better Decisions with Shadé Zahrai
Timing decision-making to maximize willpower
From the course: Nano Tips to Think Faster and Make Better Decisions with Shadé Zahrai
Timing decision-making to maximize willpower
- When you make a decision can be just as important as what you decide. A shocking study found that parole board judges were far more likely to grant parole earlier in the morning and right after a meal break when their mind was fresh. Cases at the end of the day or after a long session were far more likely to be denied parole regardless of the severity of the crime. The research identified decision fatigue as the cause of the disparity between leniency of the decisions. Making repeated judgements or decisions depleted a judge's executive function and mental resources, which in turn influenced subsequent decisions throughout the day. Likewise, you start your day with a finite amount of willpower and self-control. Each decision you make, even the small ones like what to have for breakfast, what to wear, when to schedule your next meeting deplete that willpower. But taking breaks can replenish your capacity. You can capitalize on this knowledge by allocating optimal times around your daily rhythm for when you need to make important decisions. For example, if you know you have the most mental energy in the morning, schedule time to make big decision then.
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