Comments on: Happiness Lies In The Lack Of Choice

By: Michele

Michele — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:48:29 +0000

I agree–the quantity and variety of things out there can be overwhelming. One of the ways I cope is to avoid recreational shopping–if I don’t know something exists, do I really need it?

My other secret is to tell my husband what I need and make him find it/decide which one is best. He loves that kind of thing. Me, I just want a few options and to keep it simple…my life is already complicated enough without having to do research and second-guess myself if I’ve made the right purchase. It’s just another time-stealer.

By: Zengirl

Zengirl — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:51:14 +0000

It has been said having 2 or maximum 3 choices, makes you feel in control a little (however it may be in reality) but when you have too many choices like at simple coffee at starbucks, I freeze and can not make a decision.
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By: Kristen

Kristen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:40:43 +0000

This is my LIFE. And being a perfectionist makes it so much worse. I agonize over every little choice and detail, and then inevitably, say “I should have gone with the other choice.” And then I just linger on that and am never happy. It causes me a lot of stress, headaches and especially MONEY!!

I must redecorate my rooms every few years…constantly chasing that perfect room.
And once I get there, after a year or so…it is no longer perfect…there is a new perfect.

It is a vicious cycle and one I hope to break…so keep the ideas coming!!

By: Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot

Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:52:02 +0000

Absolutely agree, modern life can be overwhelming with so many options to choose from and so much time wasted trying to work out which is the best one for us!

I remember returning to the UK after 15 months in Africa and going to the supermarket. I spent over an hour in the place before leaving empty handed. Too much choice. My local shop in Zimbabwe sold only dried fish, milk powder, soap and the odd loaf of bread, tomato or egg if you were lucky.

Still, we are lucky to have options for things that some people never had in their life times and others still won’t – like contraception and medical care.

By: Mary C.

Mary C. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:37:51 +0000

Sherri, I have the same problem. Shopping is torture for me, because I am so indecisive! I may go to a mall only once or twice a year, if that much, because I suffer from severe sensory overload.

By: Positively Present

Positively Present — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:43:12 +0000

Great post! I often get very overwhelmed when I have tons of choices, even though it seems like they should be a good thing. Glad you wrote about this!
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By: Keira

Keira — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:07:04 +0000

I have come to this realization while computer shopping. Every computer I’ve had has been a hand-me-down from friends who upgraded, but I am not looking to buy a new one for myself and the choices are staggering. Every time I research different options I get confused, then angry with my ignorance, then defensive…and wind up not deciding on anything because I just can’t determine what will affordably meet my needs best. I hate the way that shopping for electronics makes me feel.

By: Sherri

Sherri — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:53:53 +0000

@ Hayden – Analyzing and never acting on it is not only frustrating for us but for those around us as well. You hear things like “oh just do it already!” Accepting that I’m my own worst enemy and that not every decision is going to be perfect has helped a lot.

@ Lisa – I agree with the waning quality of some products. Everything is more disposable now. It seems our societies attention span is pretty short as we jump around from shiny object to shiny object. Thanks for your comments!

By: Lisa @ WellGrounded Life

Lisa @ WellGrounded Life — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:28:40 +0000

Sherri, I completely agree…especially that it causes us to just shut down sometimes. Especially in areas like health, when we get so much information thrown at us (much of it conflicting and complicated–done on purpose!), it is so understandable to simply go into overload mode.
I also think with so many choices, the responsibility of the companies to offer high quality services or products begins to wane…easier just to keep folks shifting from one thing to the next in order to find something that works instead of holding a smaller number of companies accountable for their products or service.
Excellent post!

By: Hayden Tompkins

Hayden Tompkins — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:02:11 +0000

There are studies that completely back up what you are saying. This really ties in to where I’ve been mentally lately, especially with “analysis paralysis”. Simplifying is a great confidence booster.
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