THE THOUGHT

I used to live just a few blocks from a charming little ice cream shop. Every few weeks, I’d wander over, drawn by the soft hum of laughter and the promise of something sweet. Inside, a chalkboard menu stretched across the wall, offering dozens of flavors. Pistachio rosewater, blackberry lavender, and honeycomb crunch, each one whispering, “Pick me.”

But, with each visit, as I stood before rows of flavor, a familiar feeling would creep in. The initial excitement would slowly give way to a subtle, nagging pressure. “What’s the right choice?”

Why is it that the more choices we have, the harder it feels to decide? And even when we finally choose, why do we find ourselves questioning if it was the right one?

THE DIVE

Why More Isn't Always Better

The Paradox of Choice. Psychologist Barry Schwartz coined the term to explain why having too many options often leads to dissatisfaction. While we equate choice with freedom, an excess of it can feel like a burden. Here's why:

1. The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Every decision inherently means rejecting other options. The more choices you have, the more aware you are of the alternatives you're not choosing.

2. Heightened Expectations: When faced with endless options, we assume the "perfect" choice is out there. Unfortunately, this elevates our expectations to impossible standards.

3. Decision Fatigue: The more decisions we face, the harder it becomes to make any choice at all. Our cognitive resources deplete, amplifying frustration and indecision.

4. Self-Blame: With so many choices, the responsibility for a "bad" decision feels heavier. If unhappiness follows, we often internalize the blame, believing we simply didn’t choose wisely enough.

A well-known study by Sheena Iyengar revealed that customers in a grocery store were more likely to purchase jam when offered six flavors instead of 24. While fewer options may feel restrictive at first, it often leads to greater satisfaction because it simplifies the decision-making process.

This paradox ultimately challenges the cultural ideal that “more is better.” Reducing choice might not only alleviate stress but also lead to a more fulfilling life.

THE PRACTICE

Mastering Simplicity

When the weight of too many options begins to cloud your clarity, return to simplicity. Here are a few practices to help you step away from overwhelm and move with intention:

1. Start Small, Decide Once: Not every choice needs constant reevaluation. Simplify recurring choices by creating habits. A default breakfast or go-to outfit saves time for bigger decisions.

2. Limit Your Options: For example, when picking a restaurant, stick to just three to consider. Fewer choices, more satisfaction.

3. Pause and Reflect: Ask, “What fits my values?” before deciding. A quick pause can cut through the noise and clarify what matters.

4. Practice 'Good Enough' Choices: Perfection is a thief of joy, skip it. Choosing “good enough” brings ease and frees you to enjoy the present.

5. Declutter: Simplify your space and mind. Clean surroundings and grounding activities, like journaling, sharpen focus and ease decision-making.

Remember, our power doesn’t lie in choosing perfectly—but in choosing intentionally. Chasing the “best” option often steals the joy of the moment, while life feels sweeter when we simply decide and enjoy. It’s not about what could’ve been; it’s about savoring what is.