Stop Wasting Brainpower on Every Tiny Decision

Ever stand in the cereal aisle, paralyzed by forty brands, all with different flavors and prices? Thirty years ago, people had maybe ten choices—now it’s overwhelming. Behavioral science calls this decision overload: your brain can make only so many decisions a day before it’s fried.

Nobel laureate Herbert Simon introduced “satisficing”—choosing the first good-enough option instead of hunting for perfection. It’s a rational shortcut you probably use without noticing: you settle for the dry cleaner that’s just fine rather than sampling a dozen. If you’ve ever bought the same shampoo for years, you’re satisficing to conserve mental bandwidth.

By fixing defaults for low-impact choices—your weekly dinner spot, your go-to pen—your brain frees up resources for significant calls like career moves or relationship talks. In one study, shoppers who limited cereal options felt more satisfied and bought more quickly. You’ll find your productivity and peace of mind skyrocket when you stop sweating the small stuff. (¶11–16)

First, map your decision hot spots: breakfast, email triage, lunch spots. Decide on good-enough defaults—same cereal, quick reply template, favorite café—and stick to them. Let these choices roll on autopilot, then reserve your freshest mental energy for big decisions in dedicated blocks. You won’t believe how many mental calories you unlock when you stop agonizing over trivial options.