How Your Brain Really Decides (and Why That’s Good News) | Dr. Paul Glimcher on Neuroeconomics + Decision FatigueWelcome back to Decisions That Count - where Dr. Shawn Watson (neuroscientist) and Michelle O’Brien (Biotech CMO, mum, marathon runner) unpack the science + soul of decision-making, so you can reduce cognitive overload, protect your mental clarity, and make choices you’re proud of.In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Paul Glimcher - Julius Silver Professor of Neural Science, Economics, and Psychology at NYU and a foundational figure in neuroeconomics. Paul has spent decades mapping how the brain assigns value, compares options, and turns competing signals into the decisions that shape our lives.What You’ll Learn in This Episode🧠 1) Your brain often decides before “you” know itPaul reframes the classic question — “Did my brain decide before I did?” — by challenging what “you” actually means. The part of you that talks is just the tip of the iceberg. The rest is still you… it’s just not verbal.⚡ 2) Decision-making is distributed - not one “decision center”We explore how multiple brain systems value different things (habits, long-term goals, impulse cues) and how they “compete” before converging on the circuits that drive behavior.🧩 3) Neuroeconomics: the bridge between neuroscience + psychology + economicsMost fields studied decisions separately for centuries. Neuroeconomics connects them — giving us a more unified understanding of value, choice, and behavior in the real world.😵‍💫 4) Decision fatigue is real… but neuroscience still has gapsPaul gets refreshingly honest: we don’t yet have a clean, proven “neuron gets tired” explanation for why decisions feel harder over time. But we do know what helps — and we discuss practical ways to design your day around decision load.😴 5) Sleep matters (more than you think)Sleep reduces “noise” in the brain and improves decision-making accuracy. If you’re chasing peak performance, sleep isn’t optional — it’s foundational.🌍 6) Your environment is shaping your brain (right now)From literacy to smartphones, the brain adapts to modern life. Paul explains why “nature vs nurture” is the wrong debate — your biology is designed to be shaped by your environment.💛 7) The truth that makes decisions feel lighterPaul’s closing message is one we all need: you’re not broken — you’re an extraordinary, efficient machine operating on limited energy in an overwhelming world.Chapters00:00 Introduction 03:14 The Brain’s Role in Decision-Making05:46 Understanding Decision Fatigue08:53 Neuroeconomics: Bridging Disciplines11:59 The Complexity of Decision-Making14:53 Impulse Control and Personality Traits18:01 Rewiring the Brain for Better Decisions21:09 The Impact of Sleep on Decision-Making24:02 Decision Fatigue: The Modern Epidemic26:57 The Role of Wisdom in Decision-Making30:08 The Influence of Environment on Brain Function32:56 The Future of Decision-Making in a Changing World35:53 Final Thoughts on Decision-Making and OptimismIf this episode hit home…✅ Subscribe for weekly conversations on decision-making, neuroscience, and peak performance💬 Drop a comment: What’s one decision you wish felt lighter right now?⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps more people find the show📲 Share this with a friend who’s overwhelmed, overthinking, or running on emptyOur mission is to reignite a generation’s belief in the power of their decisions.As always: make every decision count.Keywordsdecision fatigue, decision-making, neuroscience, neuroeconomics, cognitive overload, brain function, impulse control, mental clarity, focus, productivity, sleep and cognition, stress management, habit formation, cognitive function, brain optimization, peak performance, psychology, wisdom, environment design