A while back, Business Insider wrote an article about a woman named Matilda Kahl, who decided to reduce decision fatigue by wearing the same clothes to work every day. She bought 5 identical pairs of black trousers and 15 identical silk shirts, and became an internet phenomenon.
While male leaders such as Steve Jobs, Mark Zukerberg and Barack Obama are known for paring down their wardrobe to the bare – and monochromatic – minimum. Women leaders don’t tend to do the same.
Even former German chancellor, Angela Merkel, was known for “many colors, just one look”. She minimized her decision fatigue by maintaining the same style, but not the same colors. In fact, she wore so many colors, that Pantone Merkel has an actual Wikipedia page…
Decision Fatigue
Making many decisions can be stressful and overwhelming. Decision fatigue refers to the mental exhaustion that results from making too many decisions, especially complex ones, in a short period of time. It can cause us to make poor choices, delay important decisions, and even lead to irrational behavior.
One interesting study on decision fatigue was conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota, who found that judges were more likely to grant parole earlier in the day when they had just eaten breakfast or lunch, and were less likely to grant parole later in the day when they were hungry and mentally fatigued.
Ultimately, the key to avoiding decision fatigue is to be mindful of our decision-making processes and to simplify our lives wherever possible. This can include:
- automating routine tasks
- limiting the number of choices we have to make each day, and
- delegating decisions to others when appropriate.
The point is to conserve our mental energy for decisions that are actually important. As Obama once explained, he only wore blue or gray suits because “I’m trying to pare down decisions. I don’t want to make decisions about what I’m eating or wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make.“
Reflecting, I realized that I also have a uniform. I own a ton of black t-shirts, sweaters and button-down shirts. As for trousers, if I’m not standing in front of an audience, I prefer jeans. While this “ensemble” probably sounds depressing, I also own a ton of gorgeous silk and cotton scarves. So I figured, blue jeans + black top + colorful scarf = me when I don’t have to make an actual clothing decision.
I’ve also collected quite a few white button-downs, so for occasions when black is inappropriate, I can easily choose a white top without too much thought.
Do you have your own version of a casual or business uniform?
If you want to be inspired by the original article, keep in mind that while beautiful, all the shirts Matilda chose are dry-clean only. For environmental reasons, and also because it’s a total drag, that would never ever be my choice… So I found a great list of machine washable business clothing brands. Yay!
But in all honesty, clothing was never something that I spent too much time and energy on, even though it’s nice to streamline every decision. My biggest improvement came from getting into the habit of writing my daily goals and to-do’s the night before or as part of my workday closing routine. If you’re not doing it already, give it a try. It’s a great habit for avoiding decision making in the morning and starting your workday strong. Take it from a world-class procrastinator. This one works.
What are other decisions that are slowing you down and can be improved?
Decision Fatigue Tips
- Prioritize your decisions: Start your day by focusing on the most important decisions that you need to make, and tackle them when your mind is fresh and alert. Save less important decisions for later in the day when your mental energy is lower.
- Simplify your choices: Reduce the number of decisions you have to make by automating routine tasks, such as setting up automatic bill payments or ordering the same lunch every day.
- Limit your options: Avoid overwhelming yourself with too many choices by narrowing down your options to just a few. For example, when grocery shopping, make a list of the specific items you need, and stick to it.
- Delegate decisions: If possible, delegate some of your decision-making to others, such as family members or colleagues. This can help you conserve your mental energy for more important decisions.
- Take breaks: Take regular breaks throughout the day to rest your mind and recharge your mental energy. This could include taking a short walk, practicing deep breathing, or simply taking a few minutes to relax. (If you don’t have it yet, download my “5 Hacks” guide! It will show you exactly how to do this.)
- Build routines: Establishing consistent routines for certain tasks, such as exercise or meal planning, can help reduce the number of decisions you need to make each day.
A few years ago, I started a capsule wardrobe for a number of reasons. Decision fatigue was right up there at the top. Deciding what to wear every day is one of my least favorite thing to do. The capsule wardrobe has helped. The other way I combat decision fatigue is by building routines in my life.
Most days it doesn’t matter what I wear, but if it does, I tend to plan ahead, from a very limited wardrobe. I stick with a lot of black and white, and comfort is the top priority, even when I’m giving a talk or coaching a group. I have a few “nice” outfits for these things, and other than that, it’s whatever’s clean and close to the front of my drawer. I could probably streamline this process to make it even more efficient. Thanks for this post, Shlomit!
You’re with the capsule wardrobe trend!
Love it! I wear the exact same workout outfit each day of the week. Every Monday, same outfit. Every Tuesday, same outfit…laundry at the end of the week. I also leave them on easily accessible and VISIBLE hooks as a bonus reminder to get my booty in gear in the mornings. First thing in the morning I have no decision-making power!
NICE!!!! I love the daily order, that’s brilliant!
I’m always in awe of people who cook the same thing every weekday (every Monday – lasagna, every Tuesday – spaghetti and meatballs, whatever…) I get that it would make life so much easier, but the repetition would suck the joy out of my life. It’s intersting that with the workout clothes it only feels freeing, but with food – depressing!
I am one of those who have a minimal number of outfits for when I have to be in public, teaching or presenting – my “go-to’s” but I also will plan the outfit the night before and pull everything out, from undergarments to clothes to shoes. I find this helps a lot so I can focus on more important things.
Definitely, a great habit. Used to do this as a kid, but it didn’t stick into adulthood.
Ok – I totally do this… during the pandemic, I bought my favorite short and long sleeve T’s in multiple colors and loaded up on my favorite jeans in two different styles… I’m totally comfortable and still have a suit just in case I need it 😉
That’s great! I’m guessing that more people do remote work these days and don’t wear suits as much as they used to. I wonder if there’s any data about that…