The concept of decision fatigue has been widely studied in both the areas of healthcare and financial services, but the popular press hasn’t had much to say about how decision fatigue affects those contemplating downsizing.
This is unfortunate because choosing to make a residential change following retirement involves a variety of decisions surrounding possible future healthcare needs, as well as the financial consequences of these decisions.
What is Decision Fatigue?
Decision fatigue, also referred to by researchers as “ego depletion,” is a psychological phenomenon surrounding a person’s capacity to make multiple and complex decisions effectively.
Essentially, when someone is faced with making multiple decisions in a short span of time they may become overwhelmed.
This overwhelm may result in poor decision-making, refusal to make further decisions, or complete abdication of decision-making to others.
We have all experienced decision fatigue. At the end of a long or particularly stressful work day, when you can’t decide what to have or where to go for dinner, you’re likely experiencing decision fatigue.”
While the consequences of selecting a spot for an evening meal may be trivial, the stakes are higher when it comes to selecting a new home or retirement community and what to do with long held personal belongings.
Causes and Signs
Most of us make multiple decisions from the time we wake to the time we fall asleep. Many of those decisions are routine and require little thought.
Adding more complex or frequent choices, however, requires more thought and effort which can drain our energy stores. As we deplete our energy and tax our working memory, we begin to feel the effects of decision fatigue.
Stress, illness, disability, grief, and pain can all exacerbate decision fatigue.
When our focus is on feeling better, recovering from injury, or managing emotional or physical pain, we simply don’t have as much energy to give to decision-making in lower-priority areas.
Our client, Joan, explains it like this.
“There came a point after my husband died that I told my kids to just deal with things. I didn’t have it in me to make another decision. They found my new apartment and moved my things. I do have a few regrets, but at the end of the day it all had to get done and I simply couldn’t do it myself. I was literally overwhelmed.”
Like Joan, those experiencing decision fatigue may feel overwhelmed.
Other indications of decision fatigue are apathy, fatigue, anxiousness, and irritability. Some might obsess over seemingly simple tasks, while others may withdraw and become isolated.
Effects on the Downsizing Process
Illness: Depleted mental and emotional stores can lead to decreased immune responses and a higher risk for illness or disease.
Decision avoidance and procrastination: Putting off decisions until deadlines are looming may result in later regrets due to rushed decisions.
Increased costs: Studies show that financial decision making is poorer for those experiencing decision fatigue.
How to Avoid Decision Fatigue
Give yourself time
Making important or emotional decisions over time can not only help with decision fatigue, but may result in fewer regrets in the end.
Plan Ahead
Become familiar with real estate contracts and estimates for moving expenses, as well as any retirement community leases, before trying to tackle space planning or other downsizing tasks. Consider reviewing legal documents that are complex and require a clear head to fully understand their implications.
Take Breaks
Create a schedule and if decision fatigue begins to set in, take a break. Sometimes a short break will do, although a day or two to rest and restore mental energy may be necessary.
Recruit Support
Whether it’s a trusted family member, friend, or move management professional, relying on those more experienced with downsizing can be helpful.
If you or someone you know would like a complimentary downsizing coaching appointment, give us a call at 405.708.7010.
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