Decision Fatigue, Clarity, and the Courage to Take One Step
I’ll let you in on a secret: there were nights, while writing this book, when I sat staring at the blinking cursor, wondering if I should just quit. Do I keep this story in, or cut it? Do I cite this study, or is it too much? Should I even be writing this book at all?
That’s decision fatigue, and it nearly stopped me in my tracks.
If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by too many choices, you know how exhausting it can be. Leaders and high achievers make hundreds of micro-decisions every single day. Research shows that this constant stream of choices depletes mental energy, makes us more reactive, and increases stress. It’s why so many of us end up stuck.
The Weight of Too Many Choices
Think about your last week. How many decisions did you make before 9 a.m.? What to wear, what to eat, what to answer in your inbox, how to respond to a text… It adds up quickly.
The truth is: clarity doesn’t come from analyzing every option. Clarity comes from making one intentional move.
That’s the heart of One Move Makes All the Difference. And I’m deeply honored that Tal Ben-Shahar, one of the world’s leading voices in positive psychology, shared this about the book:
“In this book, Martin Mendelson offers us both inspiration and concrete guidance. He beautifully weaves together storytelling and scientific research, seamlessly integrating emotion with reason, and grounding profound insights in both theory and practice. Whether you're at a crossroads or simply seeking to take the next step in your personal or professional life, this book can help you make the move that makes all the difference.”
I was floored when I read his words. They reminded me why I kept writing, even through the doubt.
The TEAM Framework: Emotions and Choice
Last month I wrote about Thoughts, the first element of my TEAM™ framework. This month, let’s look at the second: Emotions.
Here’s the connection:
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Thoughts drive emotions.
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Emotions influence decisions.
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And decisions shape our results.
When decision fatigue sets in, emotions like frustration, worry, or fear often take the wheel. We end up reacting instead of choosing. But when we pause to notice our emotions, we reclaim choice.
That moment of awareness, of saying “I’m frustrated right now, and that’s influencing my decision,” is itself a move. It creates space for intentionality.
Your One-Move Clarity Practice
Here’s a tool you can try this week to cut through decision fatigue:
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Name the Decision. Write down the one choice you’ve been postponing.
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Notice the Emotion. What feeling comes up when you think about it? (Fear? Doubt? Overwhelm?)
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Ask This Question: “If fear, doubt, or overwhelm weren’t driving, what’s the smallest move I could make right now?”
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Do That Move. Don’t aim to solve the whole thing. Just create momentum.
Clarity is rarely found in thinking harder. It’s found in moving forward, one step at a time.
Final Thoughts
As we approach launch day, I’m filled with gratitude for your support, for the voices who encouraged me, and for the chance to put this work into the world.
If you’re feeling stuck at a crossroads, One Move Makes All the Difference was written for you. It’s a roadmap for resetting overwhelm, finding clarity, and taking the next bold step.
👉 Available wherever books are sold.
Check out your options here: https://www.morewithmendelson.com/book
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