With the countless number of decisions to make every day, it can be easy to become overwhelmed or stuck. <\/p>\n
From choosing what to eat for lunch to deciding whether to attend a friend\u2019s event, overthinking a choice and the consequences are common.<\/p>\n
Many of us think we\u2019ll find happiness from making the right choice all the time. However, Dr. Sue Varma, a board-certified psychiatrist, wants us to understand that, ironically, happiness is not found in one single decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead, it comes from making the best choice with the information you have at hand, which is often good enough but not perfect,\u201d Varma tells TODAY.com.<\/p>\n
Mental Health Tip of the Day: Follow the \u201crule of three\u201d<\/p>\n
Varma\u2019s \u201crule of three\u201d is a simple framework designed to reduce decision fatigue and help you make decisions with confidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis exercise gives you a chance to narrow down options and move forward with greater clarity,\u201d Varma explains.<\/p>\n
1. Narrow Your Options to Three<\/p>\n
Rather than weighing many choices, start by identifying the three strongest options, which will make the decision easier for your brain to manage. Doing so \u201ctransforms an overwhelming decision into a manageable one,\u201d Varma says.<\/p>\n
2. Give Yourself a Deadline<\/p>\n
To prevent overthinking, establish a deadline. Using the rule of three, give yourself three minutes, hours, day, weeks or months to come to a conclusion.<\/p>\n
For bigger decisions, like moving to a new city, a longer timeframe makes sense. If you\u2019re choosing what to have for dinner, try to decide in three minutes.<\/p>\n
3. Limit Outside Opinions to Three Trusted People<\/p>\n
Advice from others can be key to making a good choice. However, too much outside counsel can cause more confusion instead of confidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of times, we get a lot of different people\u2019s ideas into our heads, and that can make it worse for us,\u201d Varma says. <\/p>\n
So, limit the number of people you ask for insight, and choose only trusted people who understand your values.<\/p>\n
Why It Matters<\/p>\n
While it\u2019s not a diagnosable medical condition, decision fatigue is very common and occurs as you make more decisions throughout the day, per the Cleveland Clinic<\/a>. Minimizing decision fatigue can help improve executive function skills, brain fog, procrastination, overall dissatisfaction and more.<\/p>\n Additionally, the \u201crule of three\u201d encourages making decisions based on your values, not emotions, Varma says.<\/p>\n If you start to experience decision fatigue daily, it could be a sign to talk to a mental health specialist.<\/p>\n How to Get Started<\/p>\n Varma has a few tips to make the most of \u201cthe rule of three.\u201d<\/p>\n First, ensure you are well-rested in order to be less reactive. Sleep is a key factor for effective decision-making.<\/p>\n Next, trust values more than your current mood. Not every decision will be easy, and discomfort does not mean you made the wrong choice, Varma says.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of people tell me when they make a challenging decision, they\u2019re happy afterwards,\u201d Varma adds. \u201cI\u2019m a big believer in short-term discomfort for long-term gain.\u201d<\/p>\n