Brits are spending a whopping 23 days a year just making decisions, with the average adult struggling to pick what to munch on for dinner, what telly to watch, or even what outfit to throw on.
A study of 2,000 adults revealed that we make about 16 choices every single day, which adds up to one hour and 32 minutes of daily dithering. And it’s not just time-consuming nearly half of us (48%) find the whole decision-making process a total snooze-fest.
Even more, 58% of Brits get hit by ‘decision paralysis’ when sweating over the tiniest things.
When it comes to the big debates, like whether the evening grub is called dinner or tea, 14% of Brits are stumped. And don’t get them started on the proper way to prep a cuppa 13% can’t decide if the milk should dive in before or after the water.
Plus, a baffling 12% are torn over whether jam or cream should take the top spot on a scone.
OREO has roped in ex-Premier League ref and Gladiators judge, Mark Clattenburg, to kick off their Trust the Twist service.
This nifty decision-making tool on social media is a godsend for the 74% who are gagging for more giggles in their lives, as well as those craving a bit of spontaneity (58%) and a dash of playfulness (56%).
Top ref Mark Clattenburg chimed in: “I’m known for making decisions in high pressure tournaments, but everyday choices can often feel intense too, so it’s no surprise 14% would like someone else to make the call for them.”
“I can’t wait to see what questions we get from the public, whether it’s what to have for tea or what to get your partner for their birthday.”
The research also noted that after making a decision, 52% often rue their choice and ponder if they should have opted for an alternative. Meanwhile, 35% feel that making choices is just dull, with others finding them monotonous (29%) and exhausting (20%).
The everyday dilemma of choosing what to eat for dinner was ranked as the most tiresome decision-making process, with 39% fed up with it. Other yawn-inducing decisions include selecting TV programmes (24%), picking out an outfit (17%), and debating whether to clean the house (17%).
Some participants in the survey by OnePoll.com are, however, seeking fun ways to dodge the decision drain, like consulting a pal (19%) or tossing a coin (11%).
Speaking on decision fatigue, OREO UK’s spokesperson Sophia Burger at Mondelez International said, “Day to day life is stressful enough with all of the decisions we have to make.”
Here’s a list of the top British quandaries:
- Is it called dinner or tea
- Milk in tea before or after the water
- Jam or cream first in a scone
- Does pineapple belong on pizza
- Is it better to be a morning person or a night owl
- Cats or dogs
- Should red sauce be kept in the fridge or the cupboard
- Red or brown sauce
- What came first the chicken or the egg
- Are socks and sandals acceptable