Turtlenecks: An Inspiration?

He did it for the peace of mind…

Steve Jobs was famous for his black turtlenecks, tucked into Levi’s (with no belt? c’mon, man) and New Balances. Or what fellow Gen-Xers would simply call “tennies.”

I had always heard that he did this to save himself decision fatigue every morning, so he could focus his amazing brain power on decisions that actually mattered, like moving forward Apples mission: “To make a contribution to the world by making tools for the mind that advance humankind.” Powerful stuff, no need for distractions.

(turns out that may not be true, and instead is yet another facet of his branding genius, but that doesn’t help my story today)

I didn’t know this when the year started, but I was suffering from decision fatigue as well, but I was like a fish in water: surrounded by it, not even knowing it existed.

My bout with decision fatigue had to do with alcohol.

Back in February my wife and I took a break from our “anxiety medication” as we liked to call it. We would share a bourbon together a few times a week after the kids are in bed – not everyday drinkers, but not not drinkers.

What I noticed was that I was if we were having a drink at a friends house, I was making all of these contingency decisions without even realizing it: What time is it? Make sure my body can process this before we go home in a few hours. Didn’t I take an Advil earlier? Am I being a bad example to the kids? Dang, what’s the ABV on this IPA?

All of that went away when we stopped drinking.

I didn’t have to think twice about taking any meds, or when I could drive. I knew beyond a doubt I was being a good example, not just to the kids but to everyone around me. And I would know if I woke up with a headache, it was because I was dehydrated, not because I said “sure, what’s one more” one too many times last night.

Life is just simpler this way.

Last night we broke the fast with a glass of wine just to see how our attitude on alcohol has changed. It was nice, tasty, relaxing. But before bed, I hear my medical professional spouse say “hey you probably shouldn’t take magnesium tonight before bed with the wine… they’re both central nervous system depressants.”

Here we go again…

I think I’ll just keep it simple and enjoy the iced tea I’ve gotten really into lately.

What can you simplify today, and focus your decision making where it counts?

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