Decision Fatigue

Decisions are a finite resource.
They are precious.
With each one we make, it's one less in our reserve.
The best decisions are the first to go.
The more decisions we make, the poorer they get.
Until we finally reach the point that we simply cannot make another decision.
There's nothing left in the tank until we refuel (sleep).

Here's an example of how decision fatigue impacts court rulings.

Decision fatigue, or ego depletion, effects children as well as adults.
Only with little egos, there is less to deplete.
Which means that fatigue sets in faster.

Imagine being a five-year old waking up in the morning...
What do you want for breakfast?
Orange juice or apple juice?
What do you want to wear to school?

Fatigue begins to set in before you're even out the door.

Get on the bus... who will you sit next to?
Get to class... where are you going to hang your jacket?
There's a worksheet to color on your desk... blue or green?

Sure, some of these choices don't seem too taxing, but what about ones that are?
Decision fatigue has an effect on self-control and willpower.
The more taxing the decision, the bigger hit your self-control takes.

How about remaining seated while the teacher instructs in the front of the room?
Or having to go to the bathroom, but not sure if it's a good time or not.
Choosing to wait to go because the teacher will probably say no takes a lot of willpower.
Once it's gone, it's not coming back.

Is it any wonder why some students lack self-control?
Is it any wonder why some can't stay seated?
They have demands placed on them from the moment they wake up.
They have to make dozens of decisions before they even set foot in the classroom.
The further into the day it gets, the greater the demands and decisions.

Shouldn't it be the other way around?