We’re so lucky that we have so many choices and options in our life. However, it’s been well documented that all of these choices can lead to overwhelm and anxiety. Hence the saying ‘the paradox of choice’.
I remember learning this for the first time when I was 19 years old. I was driving an old 1980’s Volvo when my radio got stuck on one station.
Now thankfully this station was one I liked, however what struck me when this happened was that for the first time in my life, I was satisfied with the music playing. There was no more searching, no more longing. I accepted what was on and I found enjoyment and pleasure in it.
It made me realise how when we have an overwhelming amount of choice, we are often not satisfied. There is something very simple and satisfying about less choice. Not no choice, but just less of it.
Barry Schwartz who wrote ‘The Paradox of Choice’ divides people into 2 categories when it comes to choosing; Maximisers and Satisficers
Maximisers believe that there is a ‘perfect’ choice out there and so spend a huge amount of time searching for the ‘best’ option. They feel a great sense of responsibility when it comes to making choices and take it seriously and personally when they don’t make the so called ‘perfect’ choice.
Satisficers in contrast, look for the ‘good enough’ option. They know there might be better options out there but they are satisfied with ‘good enough’.
The irony is that at the end of the day, satisficers are far more content with their choices than maximisers. This is because even when the maximisers do make a choice, they still believe there could be something better out there. This means that they are never truly satisfied.
Maximisers also spend a lot more time and energy trying to make the ‘perfect’ choice, which takes away energy that could be going towards other more meaningful things.
So the question is are you a Maximiser or a Satisficer?
And if you are a Maximiser, what are some of the limitations of this?
How can you start to embrace ‘good enough’?
What would be some of the benefits of adopting this attitude?
