Whether it’s the final hour of a ski weekend or the closing days of an intense work season, we are often at our most vulnerable just as we approach the finish line. Fatigue sets in, patience wears thin, and motivation dwindles. We just want it to be over. In these moments, our judgement falters, our performance slips, and we make mistakes that, under normal circumstances, we would catch with ease.

This phenomenon is known as cognitive fatigue, and it is both real and consequential. As exhaustion accumulates, it erodes our ability to focus, solve problems, and think critically. Small errors that once seemed avoidable become almost inevitable. The sharper our minds were at the beginning, the more striking the contrast becomes when fatigue takes its toll.

The Barriers to Managing Fatigue

Despite knowing that mental exhaustion impairs our performance, we often fail to take appropriate steps to counteract it. Why? Because acknowledging fatigue can feel like admitting weakness. Instead of seeking support or implementing safeguards, we fall into unproductive patterns:

• Avoiding Help: We hesitate to ask for assistance from a colleague, fearing it might make us seem less capable or competent. We don’t want to appear as if we can’t handle our workload or are falling short of expectations.
• Overconfidence: Sometimes, we assume that because we were sharp and effective earlier, we are still operating at the same level. We convince ourselves that we don’t need a second set of eyes, when in reality, we are far from our peak performance.
• Pride and Perfectionism: Admitting that we might have missed something feels uncomfortable. We’d rather push through alone, believing we can handle everything ourselves—even when the evidence suggests otherwise.

Ironically, these very tendencies make us even more vulnerable. When we insist on “going it alone” in our most fatigued state, we are least equipped to do our best work.

Protecting Yourself from Costly Mistakes

As the final stretch of a demanding season approaches, it’s critical to recognize your cognitive fatigue and take proactive measures to safeguard yourself from unnecessary errors. Consider the following:

• Acknowledge Reality: Accept that fatigue is affecting your mental sharpness. Self- awareness is the first step in mitigating mistakes.
• Leverage Your Team: Engage a trusted colleague for a second opinion. A fresh perspective can catch oversights that tired eyes might miss.
• Take Strategic Breaks: Short pauses can help reset your focus and improve decision-making. Even a brief walk or a few minutes of deep breathing can help restore clarity.
• Double-Check Critical Work: Slow down and build in time for review. When possible, revisit important tasks with fresh eyes before finalizing them.
• Prioritize Sleep and Recovery: While it may seem counter-intuitive during busy times, ensuring adequate rest is one of the most effective ways to sustain performance.

The Final Push

In the closing days of a demanding period, don’t let fatigue dictate your outcomes. Recognize its impact, take deliberate steps to counteract it, and avoid the avoidable mistakes that often come with exhaustion. The effort you put into finishing strong will not only protect the quality of your work but also reinforce your reputation for excellence.

Instead of simply enduring the last stretch, take control of it. Be intentional, seek support, and ensure that your final efforts reflect your true capability—not just the effects of fatigue.