The Choice-Minimal Lifestyle: 6 Formulas for More Output and Less Overwhelm

Question 1

The choice-minimal lifestyle becomes an attractive tool when we consider two truths:

Answer 1

1) Considering options costs attention that then can’t be spent on action or present-state awareness.
2) Attention is necessary for not only productivity but appreciation.

Question 2

Too many choices cause what to happen:

Answer 2

Too many choices = less or no productivity
Too many choices = less or no appreciation
Too many choices = sense of overwhelm

Question 3

1. Set rules for yourself so you can automate / eliminate as much decision-making as possible.

Answer 3

Automate Processes: Spam Filtering, Automated responses in outlook, Rules, Quick Steps,

Eliminate Processes: Focus on high reward work, delegate tasks with limitations, spend time simplifying.

Question 4

2. Don’t provoke deliberation before you can take action.

Answer 4

One simple example: don’t scan the inbox on Friday evening or over the weekend if you might encounter work problems that can’t be addressed until Monday.

Question 5

3. Don’t postpone decisions or open “loops,” to use GTD parlance, just to avoid uncomfortable conversations.

Answer 5

If an acquaintance asks you if you want to come to their house for dinner next week, and you know you won’t, don’t say “I’m not sure. I’ll let you know next week.” Instead, use something soft but conclusive like “Next week? I’m pretty sure I have another commitment on Thursday, but thank you for the invite. Just so I don’t leave you hanging, let’s assume I can’t make it, but can I let you know if that changes?” Decision made. Move on

Question 6

4. Learn to make non-fatal or reversible decisions as quickly as possible.

Answer 6

• -Set time limits (I won’t consider options for more than 20 minutes),
• -Set option limits (I’ll consider no more than 3 options)
• -Set finance thresholds (Example: If it costs less than $100 [or the potential damage is less than $100],

I wrote most of this post after landing at the monster that is ATL airport in Atlanta. I could have considered half a dozen types of ground transportation in 15 minutes and saved 30-40%, but I grabbed a taxi instead.
Fast decisions preserve usable attention for what matters.

Question 7

5. Don’t strive for variation—and thus increase option consideration—when it’s not needed. Routine enables innovation where it’s most valuable.

Answer 7

I’ve eaten the same “slow carb” breakfast and lunch for nearly two years, putting variation only into meals that I focus on for enjoyment: dinner and all meals on Cheat Saturdays.

This same routine-variation distinction can be found in exercise vs. recreation. For fat-loss and muscle gain I’ve followed the same time-minimal exercise (Occam’s) protocol since 1996.

For recreation, however, where the focus is enjoyment and not efficacy, I tend to try something new each weekend, whether climbing at Mission Cliffs in SF or mountain biking.

Question 8

6. Regret is past-tense decision making. Eliminate complaining to minimize regret.

Answer 8

Condition yourself to notice complaints and stop making them with a simple program like the 21-day no-complaint experiment. Just a bracelet and awareness can prevent wasted past-tense deliberation that improves nothing and depletes your attention and emotional reserves.