Hmmm....the red stilettos, black pumps or ballerina flats?
Two of my favourite bloggers/writers, Seth Godin and Leo Balbuta recently wrote about the consequences of having too many choices. We are in an age where we are priviledged to have endless options. We can do anything, be anyone, and go anywhere we want. Yet research shows that having too many options actually decreases our level of happiness because 1) we have a more difficult time making decisions and 2) when we do make a decision we end up second guessing every choice we make. Should I take this job or that one? The advice column says this industry is the hot place to be, but my Dad think option B is better for my future. After you make your choice a second set of questions begin: Did I choose the right job, the right mate, the right outfit? Should I have gone with the condo over the townhouse?
Too many choices.
There are a few dangers of choice overload:
1) You make a decision using the wrong set of criteria: what your family or friends think, what the media is talking about, what is on trend.
2) You spend so much time reviewing your options you don't properly research them before deciding.
3) You avoid making a decision altogether. (A sure fire way to remain stagnant and stunt forward movement and growth in your life).
So how do we balance the many opportunities that lie before us with strategic decision-making? Here are a few tips:
1) Determine your own set of criteria. Before you spend time researching all your options in depth, take time to determine what is important to you in making a decision. If you are looking for a new career, first consider what is most important to you whether it be salary, a flexible schedule or proximity from home. Then use your criteria to direct your research.
2) Don't let fear become the deciding factor. It is easy to rule out options because of fear. Yet, often if you fear something it is because it secretly excites you. Try to understand what you are afraid of before you rule something out. It could actually be a signal that you are headed in the right direction.
3) Trust your intuition. Sometimes you just know what is the right decision without having concrete reasons why. Trust your instincts - it is your subconcious guiding you in the right direction! Instincts pull as much weight (or more) as rational decision criteria on paper.
4) Finally, Choose. Any decisions you make will lead to experiences you will learn from. But if you don't choose, everything stays the same or changes around you and leaves you behind. Choose and then commit to your decision wholeheartedly, so if it doesn't work out, you will never feel it wasn't for lack of effort.
How do you overcome choice overload?
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is such a great post because it's all so true! I have been going over a single decision for the past YEAR AND A HALF! Crazy right? I just need to stop getting people's opinions and worrying about what the right choice is... I just need to do it!
Especially if it feels right to you! Glad it was helpful
I write down a list of pros and cons for each choice. Then add them up. It is simple math. The one with the most pros and the least cons wins.
I like it! Sometimes your instincts can weigh more heavily than any logical pro or con though, don't you think?