Decision Fatigue and Simplifying Life.
- Vikki da Rocha
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
Over the last few months, I've been preparing for an exam to further my accreditation in the coaching industry, the ACC Exam, which internationally recognises me as an Accredited Coach through the International Coaching Federation. This isn't compulsory, but a choice. A choice I made to ensure my coaching is of the utmost quality for client results.
Between this, we travelled to Europe to work and see family, sold our caravan, moved into our new little home, got Amelia ready for school, and launched our corporate focus within the business... oh, and did I mention I'm now qualified in Paediatric Hypnosis? (Which is incredible because children have the biggest imagination and already live in a hypnotic state until about 17 years of age, so why not master a practice that can be effective and work quickly for them!)
As you read this, it sounds like we've been extremely busy with a lot going on. But here's the funny part... I have never felt more aligned, settled, and content than I do right now. Even with all these decisions, choices, and moments happening, I feel free. No decision fatigue in sight. I didn't realise how much until I heard myself saying to Jorge: Even though we have a few things going on, I feel so free. And that's when it hit me: I had come through the other side. My heart, body, and mind were singing with joy. Because not long ago, it would have been a totally different story.
When Life Feels Like a Whirlwind
Before our caravan journey, life felt like a constant whirlwind. We worried about decisions and choices and kept up with the expectations we had embedded in ourselves. It got to the point where we had to make a dramatic shift just to come out of it alive. I was isolated in my thoughts, and Jorge felt he was fading into an overworked, undervalued life. The pressure built until we drastically decided to sell everything, buy a caravan, and travel for a year around Australia.
Some might say, lucky you! But most thought we were mad, especially from the well-meaning parents (we love you guys!). They didn't understand, and we couldn't articulate it either. Because from the outside, everything looked great. We were succeeding, ticking all the milestone boxes of social norms. We should have been deliriously happy. But deep inside, we knew we wouldn't be here today if we didn't do this.
So now, after a year in a caravan and being back in Sydney, the big question is: What did we learn on the trip, and how do we keep our simple life lessons alive now that we're back in the 'big city'?
Breaking Free from Overwhelm
It's so easy to fall into the busy trap. And I have to catch myself, especially because modern life glorifies busyness. If you're not busy, you must be missing something, right? Or lazy?
It's time to stop comparing, stop judging, and find solutions that work for us.
I've learnt that decision fatigue comes down to three things:
What we focus on
The actions we take
The words we speak
These three fundamental elements are the root of our fatigue, stress, and overwhelm. But you don't need to sell everything and move into a caravan to figure it out (unless you want to—then call us; we've got tips!) Instead, here are the three most valuable lessons I learnt on the road and how they keep me grounded... without the weight of judgment, external opinions, or societal expectations.
1. What Are You Focusing On?
Imagine your life as a pie, with different slices representing relationships, finances, health, career, friendships, home, and hobbies. What often happens is that we try to 'fix' everything at once (like eating the entire pie in one go—yuck!), leading to stress and overwhelm.
We forget to savour the slice in front of us. We try to fix everything and end up fixing nothing.
Instead of tackling everything at once, choose one area that would make the most significant difference for you right now. Every time I do this with clients, the shift is immediate. They realise that many parts of their lives are fine and that clarity allows them to make fundamental changes where it matters.
If you want to get crystal clear on where to focus, download my Life Wheel and use it alongside my guided audio to pinpoint your starting point. Let everything else be enjoyed just as it is.
2. What Actions Are You Taking?
Every decision you make is based on what you believe at that moment to be the best choice. And what drives your decisions? Your values.
Decision fatigue happens when we either fight against our values or don't even know what they are. This creates inner turmoil, as we feel something isn't right but don't understand why. When you get clear on your values, every decision, thought, and action aligns.
Every day, I check in with myself:
Which value am I serving today?
Is this aligned?
If I'm feeling decision fatigue, what value am I ignoring or fighting against—and why?
Values are your guiding stars. Without them, you're lost in the dark, running in circles. But when you know them—decision fatigue disappears.
3. What You Say Counts!
I think my clients are sick of me saying this, but I won't stop until it lands:
Your words matter.
Not just what you say out loud but the words you repeat in your head.
What you focus on, you will see. What you say to yourself, you will believe. But we're so consumed by the negative, doubts, and overwhelm that we get stuck.
STOP.
If you feel overwhelmed, check your language:
How often do you describe your life as crazy, busy, and stressful?
How often do you tell yourself, I don't know what to do, I can't decide, this is too much?
The biggest mistake we make is reinforcing stress with our words.
I watch my words every day. And when I'm around people stuck in their own negative language, I remind myself: That's their world, not mine.
If you want calm, speak as though you already have it.
If you want clarity, talk to yourself like someone who knows how to make decisions.
If you want simplicity, start asking: What do I truly need? What can I let go of? Then, clear the mental clutter.
Let's stop glorifying busyness. Let's stop wearing stress like a badge of honour.
I've met farmers in rural Australia who are facing real pressures: moving cattle, finding water, and ensuring their livestock survives so they can feed their families. And yet, the one thing they never say is how stressful it is.
They stay focused. They make a plan. They trust that it will work out.
And most of us are not in life-or-death situations. We are the lucky ones. Let's act like it.
My 3 Life Lessons are always with me.
So, there you have it, my three biggest life lessons from the road. They are always with me, always growing, and I check in with them daily (especially number three!).
Because I want a life filled with great decisions, joyful moments, and a purpose that makes my heart sing. And I know that if you start with these three shifts, you will find that joy, too.
