Overthinking Every Decision? Use The One Word Filter
If decision fatigue is slowing you down, this one-word filter will change that.
Why Decisions Feel Overwhelming
We are constantly making choices, some small, some life-changing. From deciding what to wear to choosing how to respond to a meeting, our brains are in decision-making mode all day. But did you know that the more choices you make, the worse your decisions become?
This is called decision fatigue.
When everything feels important, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if there was a way to cut through the noise and make decisions faster and more confidently?
This is where the One-Word Filter comes in.
The Science: Why You Struggle to Make Decisions
Research shows that the more decisions we make, the less energy we have for future choices. This can lead to impulsivity (making rash decisions) or avoidance (putting off choices altogether).
For example, a famous study on judges found that:
Judges were more likely to grant parole at the beginning of the day or after a break. As decision fatigue set in, favorable rulings dropped from 65% to nearly zero. After a break, the percentage reset to 65%.
This research highlights that when our mental energy is drained, we default to what feels easiest, not necessarily what’s best.
The One-Word Filter helps you bypass this fatigue by reducing decision complexity.
The One-Word Filter Activity
Step 1: Pick Your Word
Choose one word that reflects your biggest priority right now. It should be simple and straightforward, your day's or week's theme. Examples:
Simplify (if you feel overwhelmed and want to cut the noise)
Finish (if you struggle with incomplete tasks)
Energy (if you tend to overcommit and end up drained)
Bold (if you feel stuck and want to take more action)
Present (if distractions keep pulling you away from what matters)
Step 2: The Filter Test
Every time you have to make a decision, pause for 5 seconds and ask yourself:
Does this align with my word?
If yes, Go for it.
If not, Do you really need to do this, or is it a distraction?
Some examples:
Your word: Focus. You want to work on a project, but you feel the urge to check messages. Does opening WhatsApp help you focus? No. Delay it for later.
Your word: Calm. You feel like saying yes to a meeting you don’t actually have the bandwidth for. Will it help you stay calm? No. Set a boundary.
Your word: Energy. You’re about to skip a short walk because you’re busy. Will walking improve your energy? Yes. Prioritize it.
Your Challenge
Choose one word that aligns with how you want to feel or what you need most. Every time you make a decision, use it as your one-word filter.
Try it and notice what changes. What’s your one-word filter? Drop it in the comments!
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