Every day we must make millions of decisions. From choosing what clothes to wear to solving complex work problems, the feeling of always making a decision is completely overwhelming. It is the idea that Rodrigo Cortés, film director and writer, addresses in his latest film Exhaust. Its protagonist, played by Mario Casas, would have been relieved to discover the famous Falkland law, which squarely addresses this problem. The film would undoubtedly end differently.
But what is it about this law that cures everything? It’s as simple as imagining a different way of doing things. A way to free the mind from its constant burden, to prioritize only the essentials and let patience take control. That is the essence of Falkland’s law, which like the famous Murphy’s law, always seems to be fulfilled. It can help you regain control of your life and be happier. For this to happen, however, you must make a decision: do you dare to govern your life by Falkland law?
What is the Falkland Law and how does it benefit us?
Falkland’s Law establishes a simple premise and fundamental principle of all things: “if you don’t have to make a decision about something, then don’t decide.” This approach, attributed to the philosophy of William Falkland, suggests that putting off unnecessary decisions not only saves mental energy but also avoids regrets. The law tells us to prioritize what is important, to differentiate what really requires our attention.
For example, it is obvious that, if you are going to cross a traffic light, you have to decide whether you are going to respect the red signal or not. The consequences of this decision can be serious and immediate.. But… Do you really need to decide all your weekend plans on Monday? Or should you invest your mental energy in making decisions that won’t affect you for a few months? According to Falkland law, no. Doing so is not only useless, it can have negative repercussions on your mental health.
When we decide too much, something occurs that psychology calls “decision fatigue” a phenomenon that reveals this mental exhaustion that we experience when faced with an excess of choices. This not only affects our ability to decide correctly, but also generates anxiety, stress and a constant feeling of exhaustion.
The paradox of free will
In fact, too much choice can be paralyzing. This is what is known as the “paradox of free will.” The more alternatives we have, the less free we feel. Instead of experiencing a sense of empowerment, we often fall into a state of blockage and anxiety, unable to choose.. Surely it has happened to you when looking at an immense menu of delicious options in a restaurant or when choosing what to watch on Netflix.
Barry Schwartz, psychologist and author of The Paradox of Choice, explains that having too many options not only makes it difficult to make decisionsbut also increases dissatisfaction with what we finally choose.
How to start applying Falkland law in your daily life
Applying Falkland’s law will help you combat the famous parasite of free will, as well as improve your mental health. This law helps you prioritize what is important, reducing anxiety and stress. Furthermore, by cultivating patience as an essential part of your logic, you will foster your emotional maturity and make better decisions. To integrate it into your life, you can start making small changes in your life.
One of the advantages of this law is that it does not require major changes, just a commitment to simplicity and patience. For example, imagine that you are at work and you receive several urgent emails. Applying the Falkland Law involves analyzing which ones require your immediate attention and which ones can wait.. By doing so, you reduce stress and focus on tasks that really matter.
Although like everything in this life, it is easier said than done. So you can start with these small changes:
- Differentiate what is urgent and what is important. Before acting, ask yourself if the decision you are going to make is necessary at that moment. Many times, urgency is a matter of perception, and is not real. What is urgent is what, doing it or not doing it, generates immediate consequences. The rest may or may not be important, but it is certainly not urgent. This difference is easily addressed with the Eisenhower matrix.
- Delay unnecessary decisions. If a choice doesn’t have an immediate impact or isn’t crucial, leave it for later. This will give you time to reflect and make a more informed decision when the time comes. The truth is that, sometimes, making decisions ahead of time will mean that you do not have up-to-date information, which will mean that you will have to change your mind later or simply make a bad decision. Everything in its time.
- Create a system to prioritize. Using tools, such as lists, planners, or reminders to organize your tasks, can give you a visual aid to put this universal law into practice.
- Practice conscious patience. Instead of reacting immediately to any circumstance, take a few minutes to consider all the options available. Take a deep breath and analyze the possible consequences that can make a difference.