4 Methodologies that Help Managers Make Better Informed Decisions while Maintaining Their Health and Peace of Mind

Decision Fatigue – The Invisible Threat

The average adult makes tens of thousands of decisions every day. But for leaders and executives, that number not only multiplies—it also carries far greater weight. Every answered message, signed document, or public statement depletes a leader’s psychological and physiological resources.

The brain makes up only about 2% of body mass but consumes nearly 20% of the body’s energy. This means that thinking—especially under pressure—is a physiological strain. When energy runs low, leaders often turn to coffee or sheer willpower, but as a result, the quality of their decisions declines, harming both their effectiveness and their health.

To overcome this challenge, leaders can use specific decision-making frameworks designed to reduce fatigue, maintain focus, and promote mental clarity.

1. The OODA Loop — Observe, Orient, Decide, Act

This model was developed by U.S. Air Force Colonel John Boyd. It consists of four stages: Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act.

The first two stages—observation and orientation—help slow down the reaction before a quick decision is made. That brief pause allows leaders to control their stress response, stay calm, and act with greater clarity.

For example, before replying to a complex email or making a public statement, one can take a few deep breaths to restore emotional balance. This approach not only improves decision quality but also protects one’s health.

2. The Regret Minimization Framework

Jeff Bezos used this very method when deciding whether to leave a stable job and start Amazon. His approach is simple: imagine yourself decades in the future and ask:
“Will I regret not doing this?”

This mindset helps leaders step away from short-term gains and focus on long-term consequences—in both business and personal life. The same question applies to health: “Will I regret skipping today’s workout or not spending time with my family?”

Decisions made through this lens are more balanced and help maintain inner peace and stability.

3. The Rubber Band Method

Every leader faces conflicting choices—between work and rest, stability and change, risk and security. The Rubber Band Method helps make this inner tension visible.

Imagine your body being pulled in two directions: one represents what holds you back—fear, obligations, fatigue; the other pulls you forward—goals, ambition, and the desire to grow.

Ask yourself:

• “What’s holding me back?”

• “What’s pulling me forward?”

These questions help reveal your true motivations and constraints. The method enhances self-awareness, clarifies real needs, and supports more balanced decisions.

4. Second-Order Thinking

Many leaders make decisions by considering only the first consequence—what will happen now. Second-order thinking forces you to ask: “And then what?”

Short-term effective solutions often lead to long-term costs—physical or psychological exhaustion. For example, overworking may yield quick results but ultimately causes burnout and worsens decision quality.

Second-order thinking reminds us that every decision has an energetic cost. Before launching a new initiative, leaders should ask:
“How will this affect my focus, health, and relationships?”

This mindset safeguards the future from the traps of short-term wins.

Healthy Leadership as a Systemic Mindset

Every decision consumes the same energy needed for creativity, thinking, and leadership. That’s why efficient decision-making systems not only improve outcomes but also protect a leader’s most valuable resource—health.

Effective leadership begins not with tighter control, but with structured thinking. Leaders who integrate these methods into their daily lives become, over time, not only more effective but also calmer and more resilient.

The article is based on the analysis of the Forbes

*The article was also prepared using data from AI․