Navigating Decision Fatigue: Strategies for Neurodivergent Women to Simplify Choices

Introduction: Decision Fatigue Is Draining You

Have you ever felt exhausted after making what seems like an endless stream of decisions, from what to wear to how to tackle your workday? That’s decision fatigue—and for neurodivergent women, it can be especially overwhelming.

When your brain is already working overtime to process sensory input, emotions, and tasks, even small decisions can feel like monumental challenges. Let’s explore how to simplify choices, reduce mental load, and reclaim your energy.

What Is Decision Fatigue?

Decision fatigue happens when your ability to make decisions diminishes over time due to mental overload.

Signs you’re experiencing it:

• Procrastination or avoidance.
• Impulsive choices you later regret.
• Feeling overwhelmed or “paralyzed” by options.

For neurodivergent women, who often juggle executive dysfunction and heightened emotional responses, decision fatigue is a common challenge.

Why Neurodivergent Women Are Prone to Decision Fatigue

1. Overthinking: Analyzing every detail to make the “perfect” choice.
2. Masking: Constantly filtering decisions through the lens of what’s socially acceptable.
3. Sensory Overload: External stimuli drain your mental resources, leaving less capacity for decision-making.

Strategies to Simplify Decision-Making

1. Reduce the Number of Choices
The fewer options you have, the easier it is to decide.

• Create a capsule wardrobe to simplify daily clothing choices.
• Stick to a weekly meal plan with a few go-to recipes.

2. Set Default Decisions
Eliminate repetitive decision-making by creating defaults:

• “I’ll always order X at this restaurant.”
• “Tuesdays are for grocery shopping.”

3. Use the Two-Minute Rule
If a decision takes less than two minutes to make, don’t overthink it—just decide and move on.

Tools for Streamlining Decisions

1. Decision-Making Apps:
Tools like Trello or Notion can help you organize options and prioritize tasks.

2. Visual Timelines:
Use a whiteboard or planner to map out deadlines and eliminate last-minute choices.

3. Decision Trees:
For bigger decisions, create a flowchart that walks you through your options.

The Role of Rest in Better Decisions

As Dawn Leprich-Graves of Cultivating Bricolage often reminds clients, a tired brain struggles to make good decisions. Incorporating rest into your routine isn’t just self-care—it’s a decision-making strategy.

Pro Tip: Schedule important decisions for when your energy and focus are at their peak.

Practice Self-Compassion in Decision-Making

Not every decision needs to be perfect. Remind yourself:

• “It’s okay to make mistakes—they’re opportunities for learning.”
• “My worth isn’t defined by the outcome of my choices.”

Let’s Simplify Life Together

If decision fatigue is draining you, let’s create a plan to simplify your choices and reclaim your energy. Join my coaching program for neurodivergent women to learn practical strategies for streamlining decisions and making life feel lighter.

Let’s make decision-making easy.
– Dawn Leprich-Graves,                                                                                                                 Clinician, Coach & Connection Catalyst