THE TINY TAX NO ONE THINKS ABOUT

The Real Reason You’re So Tired

It’s not your schedule, your age, or your workload (it’s the hidden decision tax nobody warns you about)

Hey you, Hi!

Ever notice how you can be so tired at the end of a day, even though you can’t point to anything particularly demanding that you did?

It’s like your brain ran a marathon while your body was just sitting in meetings.

There’s an invisible thief stealing your energy, and it’s probably not what you think.

• It’s not the back-to-back Zoom calls.
• It’s not the never-ending inbox.
• It’s not even that pain-in-the-ass team member.

HERE’S WHAT IT IS...It’s the hundreds of tiny decisions you’re making all day long.

The Hidden Cost of Every Choice

Think about your day so far:

• What outfit did you choose this morning?
• Which emails did you answer first?
• Should you take that meeting in person or virtually?
• What’s for lunch? (What’s for dinner?)
• Is now the time to address that team issue or wait?
• Which project deserves your attention next?

Each of these choices—no matter how small—is quietly draining your mental battery.

This is decision fatigue, and it’s costing you more than you realize.

Why This Matters to Your Whole Life (Not Just Work)

When your decision-making energy is depleted:

• That healthy dinner choice becomes takeout (again)
• The workout gets postponed (again)
• Quality time with loved ones becomes zoning out on the couch
• And those big, meaningful life decisions? They get pushed to “someday”

It’s not just affecting your productivity—it’s stealing from the life you’re working so hard to create.

Your Decision Detox Plan

Here’s how to reclaim your mental energy:

Create Decision-Free Zones

• Morning Routine: Plan it the night before (outfit, breakfast, priorities)
• Meal Planning: Decide once for the week instead of 21 separate times
• Email Batching: Designated times instead of all-day responding

Embrace the Power of “Good Enough”

Ask yourself:

• “Will this matter in a month?”
• “Does this decision deserve my limited mental energy?”
• “What would happen if I just chose the simplest option?”

Design Your Personal Decision Rules

Create personal policies (boundaries) like:

• “I always decline same-day meeting requests”
• “I wear the same category of outfit each day of the week”
• “I automatically delegate any task under X value/importance”

Your Permission Slip

You officially have permission to:

• Wear the same “uniform” multiple times a week Not exactly the same, but elements of it (think capsule wardrobe)
• Have a rotating meal plan that repeats (easy peasy)
• Say “you decide” when someone asks for your preference on something low-stakes
• Create templates for recurring decisions
• Let go of the belief that every choice needs to be perfect

Your Decision Detox Challenge

This week, identify ONE area where you make repetitive decisions. Then:

1. Create a system to eliminate or automate those choices
2. Notice how much mental energy you reclaim
3. Reinvest that energy in something that truly matters to you

Remember: Every “no” to a low-value decision is a “yes” to what really matters in your life.

XOXO,

Tonya

P.S. Which small decisions are stealing your mental energy? I’d love to know what you’re going to systematize first!

3 Ways to Reclaim Your Mental Energy

→ Ready to break free from decision overload? Discover how to create systems that free your mind for what matters most. Email me: hello@tonyakay.co​

→ Master the Art of Strategic Decision-Making. Because not every choice deserves your precious mental energy. Book a Breakthrough Call.​

→ Lead with Clarity (Decision Fatigue Not Included). Learn how simplifying your decision landscape can amplify your impact. → Book a “Mental Energy Mastery” strategy session.

IS YOUR LIFE BALANCED? DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE RESOURCE​

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