Why More People Are Struggling With Decision Fatigue

Staring at a menu with too many choices. Spending hours toggling between HDB listings. Wondering if you should take that job offer or stay put. All of these are modern examples of decision fatigue—a psychological phenomenon that’s becoming increasingly common. But why is this happening more now than ever before, and what can we do about it?

Living in a high-choice society

Singaporeans are surrounded by choices. From picking which café to brunch at in Tiong Bahru to deciding whether to enroll your child in mainstream or alternative education paths, the average person makes thousands of micro-decisions each day. While it may seem empowering, research shows that having too many options can overwhelm our brains, leading to cognitive exhaustion and even decision paralysis (Adriatico et al., 2022).

The urban lifestyle in Singapore is designed for convenience and efficiency, but that often comes with a catch. More apps, more services, more pathways—it’s no wonder so many people feel drained before the day is even halfway through. When mental energy is spread thin across a constant stream of small decisions, there is less left for the ones that really matter.

Pressure to make the ‘right’ decision

In a high-achieving culture like Singapore’s, where hustle culture is deeply ingrained, decision-making comes with an added layer of stress. Many individuals feel an unrelenting pressure to choose correctly, whether it is the “right” career path, the “right” school, or even the “right” neighbourhood. The fear of making a mistake often results in decision avoidance or chronic indecision (Seif & Winston, 2021), which in turn exacerbates anxiety and stress levels.

This is especially true for working adults, who often juggle multiple roles as employees, parents, caregivers, and spouses. For these individuals, adult counselling in Singapore can provide a safe, structured space to unpack these pressures and develop more effective decision-making strategies.

Digital overload and constant connectivity

We live in a hyperconnected world where information is always at our fingertips. But the constant notifications, messages, emails, and updates can contribute to mental clutter. The human brain is not built to process this volume of information all at once, and decision fatigue is one of the side effects of digital overload.

The busy and high-tech modern lifestyle makes it hard to unplug. With work chats that never sleep and social media feeds that keep comparing lifestyles, it’s difficult to take a step back and mentally reset. Over time, this can erode our ability to make clear, confident choices.

Unresolved emotional fatigue

Sometimes, the inability to make decisions is not just about having too many choices, it is about underlying emotional distress. Emotional fatigue from unresolved issues like anxiety, low mood, or burnout can diminish mental clarity and focus, making everyday decisions feel overwhelming.

For those who are already feeling down, decision fatigue can become even more pronounced. You may find yourself second-guessing every choice or avoiding even the simplest decisions, like what to eat or wear. Working with a therapist or accessing adult counselling services can help identify and address the root causes of this fatigue, empowering individuals to navigate life more effectively.

Lack of self-awareness and boundaries

Another contributing factor is the lack of clear boundaries, both internally and externally. Many individuals struggle to say "no", whether it is to social obligations, work demands, or family expectations. Without clear personal boundaries, you might find yourself constantly attending to others' needs, leaving little mental bandwidth for your own.

This ties back to self-awareness. Understanding what truly matters to you can dramatically reduce the number of decisions you need to make each day. For example, when you have already identified your values and priorities, saying yes or no to requests becomes much simpler. Therapy can be a valuable space to clarify these boundaries and build emotional resilience.

Steps to manage decision fatigue

If you are feeling the effects of decision fatigue, the first step is awareness. Recognising the signs—chronic indecision, procrastination, irritability, and mental exhaustion—is crucial. From there, consider implementing the following strategies:

● Simplify daily choices: Establish routines for mundane decisions like meals or outfits.

● Set boundaries around technology: Designate no-screen times, especially before bed.

● Outsource low-stakes decisions: Delegate tasks where possible to reduce cognitive load.

● Reflect on your values: This helps prioritising what truly deserves your attention.

● Speak to a mental health professional: If decision fatigue is significantly interfering with your daily life, it is worth exploring deeper psychological factors that may be at play.

A clearer mind starts with the right support

Decision fatigue does not mean you’re weak—it’s a very real and growing challenge, especially in high-functioning environments like Singapore. The constant need to make choices, combined with emotional and cognitive demands, can wear anyone down over time.

At ImPossible Psychological Services, we offer psychotherapy and support to help you make sense of what is overwhelming and regain mental clarity. Whether you are facing burnout, emotional fatigue, or simply too many decisions all at once, we are here to journey with you toward greater self-awareness and resilience.

References

Adriatico, J. M., Cruz, Angela., Tiong, R. C., & Racho-Sabugo, C. R. (2022). An analysis on the impact of choice overload to consumer decision paralysis. Journal of Economics, Finance and Accounting Studies, 4(1), 55-75. https://doi.org/10.32996/jefas.2022.4.1.4

Seif, M. & Winston, S. (2021, November 29). Behind chronic indecisiveness: The fear of regret. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/living-sticky-mind/202111/behind-chronic-indecisiveness-the-fear-regret