Mental Calories: Why Thinking Too Much Kills Your Progress

The Minimalist Minute
Welcome to your weekly dose of brain juice that helps you build better habits, get fit, and live longer.

In today’s instalment:

• Why overthinking leads to underperforming

• How to simplify decisions to stay consistent

#habits

Ever feel like you’ve got decision fatigue before the day even starts?
That’s not just in your head—it’s your brain burning mental calories.

Just like your body, your brain has a limited amount of energy it can use effectively each day. And most of us waste it on low-impact decisions:

• “Should I go to the gym or take a rest day?”

• “Should I start the plan today or wait for Monday?”

• “Do I do 10 pushups or 20?”

Every time you think, you spend.
And if you spend too much early in the day, you’ve got nothing left when it actually counts.

That’s why I talk so much about systems and automation. The less you have to think, the more you do.
Start by removing friction:

• Pre-decide your workout times and stick to them

• Use the same routine for your morning/evening habits

• Eat the same meals during the week

• Try a minimalist workout plan like The Habits Academy. If you still haven’t tried it yet you can check it out here.

Want to build a strong identity?
Make your habits default, not optional.

#longevity

Mental energy isn’t just about productivity. It also plays a role in your long-term health.
Constant cognitive overload is linked to higher stress, poor sleep, and even accelerated aging.
More thinking = more stress.
More stress = more wear and tear on your body and brain.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to "grind harder." You need to think less.

Instead of adding more complexity, ask: “How can I simplify this?”

Start by replacing reactive choices with default behaviors.
Simplify one part of your routine this week—maybe your breakfast, workout time, or morning decision-making—and watch how much easier things feel.

Related reads on the blog:

• Motivation vs Accountability

• Cognitive Biases and Heuristics

• Dan John’s Minimalist Easy Strength

#quote

I hope you enjoyed this week’s instalment of The Minimalist Minute.

Stay frosty,
Brett