Thinking is hard

Thinking is Hard: Why We Avoid It and How to Overcome the Challenge

Thinking, truly thinking, requires a tremendous amount of effort. It’s no wonder that so many people unconsciously choose not to engage in deep analysis or decision-making. Our brains, incredible as they are, are energy-intensive organs, and they’ve evolved to conserve energy whenever possible. But what happens when this energy-saving mechanism leads us to avoid critical thinking and decision-making altogether? Let’s dive into the psychology behind why thinking is so difficult, the consequences of avoiding it, and practical strategies to embrace this essential skill.

The Science of Thinking: Energy, Effort, and Avoidance

The human brain makes up about 2% of our body weight but consumes roughly 20% of our daily energy. Complex cognitive processes like reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving demand significant resources. From an evolutionary standpoint, the brain seeks efficiency, it’s wired to preserve energy by defaulting to habits, heuristics (mental shortcuts), and instinctual behaviors wherever possible.

The Cognitive Economy

Psychologist Daniel Kahneman, in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow, explains the two systems of thinking:

• System 1 is fast, automatic, and energy-efficient. It handles routine tasks and instinctive decisions.

• System 2 is slow, deliberate, and energy-intensive. It activates when we need to analyze, reason, or solve novel problems.

Because activating System 2 is tiring, our brain often resists it unless absolutely necessary. This is why decision-making can feel exhausting, a phenomenon known as decision fatigue.

The Brain’s Reward System

Interestingly, when we avoid the mental strain of deep thinking, our brain rewards us. Dopamine, a feel-good chemical, is released when we take the easy path, reinforcing avoidance behaviors. This is why procrastination or “going with the flow” can feel deceptively satisfying in the moment, even though it often leads to long-term regret.

Why Avoidance Feels Safe (But Isn’t)

Avoiding deep thinking or decision-making might feel like a safe and comfortable choice, but it comes at a cost:

1. Missed Opportunities
   When we shy away from making decisions, we often let others dictate the course of our lives. This can lead to unfulfilled potential and missed chances for personal and professional growth.

2. Increased Anxiety
   Ironically, avoiding decisions doesn’t eliminate stress, it amplifies it. The unresolved issues linger in the background, creating a sense of helplessness and anxiety.

3. Stagnation
   Avoiding mental effort keeps us stuck in the status quo. Personal growth, innovation, and resilience all require us to engage with challenges and think critically.

4. Loss of Autonomy
   When we let others think and decide for us, we give away our power. This can lead to resentment, dependency, and a diminished sense of self-worth.

The Rewards of Thinking and Decision-Making

While thinking is hard, the rewards of engaging with it far outweigh the temporary discomfort.

• Empowerment: Making decisions strengthens our sense of control and agency over our lives.

• Resilience: Over time, regularly engaging in deep thought makes us better equipped to handle uncertainty and complexity.

• Growth: Each decision, whether successful or not, teaches us valuable lessons and builds confidence.

• Fulfillment: Thoughtful decision-making aligns our actions with our values, leading to a more meaningful life.

How to Train Your Thinking Muscle: Practical Strategies

If thinking and decision-making feel overwhelming, take heart, it’s a skill that can be developed. Here’s how to start:

1. Start Small

Begin with low-stakes decisions to build confidence and stamina. For example, choose what to eat for dinner or how to spend a free hour. Gradually tackle more significant decisions as your confidence grows.

2. Break It Down

When faced with a complex decision, break it into smaller steps:

• Identify the problem.

• List potential options.

• Evaluate the pros and cons of each.

• Choose a course of action.

• Reflect on the outcome.

This systematic approach reduces overwhelm and makes thinking more manageable.

3. Set Boundaries for Decision Fatigue

To avoid burnout, limit the number of decisions you make daily. Prioritize important decisions in the morning when your mental energy is highest.

4. Embrace Reflection

Build regular reflection into your routine. Journaling, meditation, or simply taking quiet time to think can help you process emotions, clarify priorities, and approach decisions with greater clarity.

5. Seek Support, But Retain Ownership

While advice from trusted mentors or friends can provide valuable perspective, ensure the final decision is yours. This reinforces your autonomy and confidence.

6. Celebrate Your Efforts

Acknowledge and reward yourself for engaging in thoughtful decision-making, even if the outcomes aren’t perfect. The act of thinking itself is a victory.

Embrace the Challenge

Thinking is hard—it’s energy-intensive, emotionally taxing, and often uncomfortable. But avoiding it leads to far greater costs, from missed opportunities to a diminished sense of self. By recognizing the effort involved and committing to small, consistent steps, we can overcome our natural resistance and unlock the incredible rewards of critical thinking.

So, the next time you’re tempted to “go with the flow,” pause and consider: What could you gain by engaging your mind instead? The effort may be great, but so too are the rewards.