American psychologist and bestselling author of The Paradox of Choice on how abundance of options paralyzes our decisions.
We think limiting choice is bad, but research shows people are happier when they have fewer options.
The more options we have, the less happy we are. An abundance of choice leads to paralysis, regret, dissatisfaction.
When we're grateful for what we've chosen, we're satisfied. When we constantly seek better, we're never satisfied.
It seems like all decisions are reversible today. But when you make a choice, you take responsibility for it. This creates anxiety.
When there are too many options, we fall into analysis. We compare, weigh, worry. This takes away the joy of choosing.
We always think there's a perfect choice. But perfection doesn't exist. Once we accept this, we can be happy with what we have.
There are people who always seek the best option—maximizers. There are people satisfied with a good option—satisficers. Satisficers are happier.