I did everything he said without question, and won the whole thing.
In 2016, I entered a figure competition. It was a small local show. I hired a trainer (because I didn't know what the heck I was doing!) and did everything he said without question...and I won! Of course 98.742% of that win goes to my brilliant trainer Tim. I basically just did what he told me to. I removed all decision making from when and what I ate, and when and what I did for workouts. I just did what I was told. (which is a VERY rare thing!)
While I was prepping for the show, I was also at the very beginning stages of trying to become a professional speaker. You have to make a lot of decisions when you start a business.
- What do I call it?
- What's my brand identity?
- What should my main topic of speaking be?
- Should I get a logo? What should it look like?
- What photos should be on my website?
- How should my introduction sound?
- Is it ok to wear my R2D2 shoes to a corporate speaking engagement?
and many MANY more! After a tough day, or a particularly busy or difficult week, it got REALLY hard to make those decisions and I was STRESSED!
This is because of a thing called Decision Fatigue! Making decisions, especially one that your brain deems as important takes emotional energy, and the more emotional energy we use, the less we have for the next decision. And the next one, and the next one.
I realized when I started training for the competition, that the business decisions were suddenly easier. Yes, healthy eating and fitness help with brain function, but this was different.
I was making fewer decisions!
So if you feel like decisions can be REALLY hard, or you don't have any willpower, discipline or self-control by 3pm, try a few of these ideas.
1. Go on a Decision Diet: Just like cutting back on junk food, trim down your decision menu. Less is more! Streamline your options. They say that the most successful entrepreneurs (think Elon Musk and Steve Jobs...) eliminate as many decisions as possible. They always wear the same thing, eat the same breakfast/lunch or whatever, so those dumb decisions don't get in the way of the important stuff. Garanimals anyone?
2. Get into a Routine Rhythm: From a power-packed morning ritual to a productivity-boosting routine, establish habits that make decision-making a no-brainer. (Just make it up! It doesn't have to be perfect! Pick it and start.) I did that for mornings. On my at-home/office days I get up, journal, meditate, workout, shower, read, then get to work! Same thing every morning so there's no question. I'm on autopilot for success! (and I'm NOT a routine person, but it's really helped me do the things that set me up for a productive day/life!)
3. Flip-a-Coin: Let's face it. Sometimes we agonize over shit that just doesn't matter that much!! Can't decide between two options? Embrace your playful side and flip a coin! Or like last night when Mike and I went out for tacos...we couldn't decide between chicken and veggie, we let the server decide! (FYI: The veggie tacos at The Taco Town are AMAZING!)
Try it and see...it's amazing how it simplifies life and leaves emotional energy for the important stuff! (like Bali or Barcelona for vacation!!!)
