Willpower Fatigue & The Case For Doing Less

If you feeling like saying F- it, maybe you should.

Job seekers are flooded with advice. Most of it isn’t helpful. Even if it’s “good.”

Sales people too. And marketers. And people tidying up their finances.

Anyone struggling with anything.

Go online and you find unlimited advice. Some good. Some bad. Some from reputable domain experts. Some from hucksters shilling 101 level courses.

The problem? Willpower Fatigue. (aka Decision Fatigue)

Your brain can’t keep adopting every little good habit forever before it takes a dump.

Applying to 100 jobs takes time and effort, no matter how easy the job sites try to make it.

Go to networking events. Attend job fairs. Polish your social profile. Build your ‘personal brand.’ Join networking groups. Reconnect with everyone you’ve ever known for coffee. 

How about sales people struggling to close a deal?  More faux customization. Less email. Voice notes. Bang the phone. Stalk prospects’ social profiles. Attend events. Join networking groups. Use ChatGPT. No, not like that, use it like this…

Sprinkle down-market dynamics on top of that. Anyone interview for a role only to find out it’s been canceled or changed? Anyone have their entire sales pipeline pushed?

(Ironic borderline hypocritical self-own incoming…)

My unsolicited advice? Do less, but do it well.

Trying to integrate everything you see people suggest will make your brain explode.

James Hornick

Partner at Hirewell. #3 Ranked Sarcastic Commenter on LinkedIn.