Decision Paradox
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”
I was paralyzed, evaluating the seemingly endless options. What if I choose poorly? They say that dating in New York City is the worst, though you could argue with a population around 8.4 million, finding someone should be trivial. You'd think with more choices we'd be happier, but studies consistently find that when presented with fewer options, satisfaction actually increases.
Each day, we make hundreds if not thousands of decisions. Some are strategic and calculated while others are instinctive--either way, as the day wears on, our decision-making ability begins to deteriorate thanks to a phenomenon called decision fatigue. In other words, when facing too many options, people like me obsess over the "optimal choice", and are unable to act in fear of regret.
Some of the best meals of my life involved absolutely zero decisions on my end. At home, I eat whatever my parents make. And in famous Michelin-star restaurants, chefs create elaborate tasting menus just so customers can spend hundreds to eat what the kitchen wants to cook.
Steve Jobs proudly wore the same black turtleneck, blue jeans, and New Balance sneakers every day just to spare his brain three decisions. Making quality decisions quickly is an art. Focus helps mitigate the paralysis of decision paradox while bravery and conviction in your ability to make corrections will improve your speed. Life’s too short to waste time choosing poorly or worse, not choosing at all.
I'll have one scoop of everything, please.