Paradox of Choice

Some six years ago, a good friend (and mentor) said to me, “Sometimes it’s better not to have choices”. I forgot what he was referring to but the statement rings true in almost everything really.

All my life, I have always thought of back up plans — the plan B, or sometimes even C. I guess it’s how I was raised.

My profession only amplifies this habit for shit CAN go wrong and when it does, it’s usually extremely expensive that in its aftermath, I must ready my ass for some good pounding or worse, firing. So contingencies aren’t only justified, they’re necessary.

On the surface, having choices sounds good. It means you are less restricted — you have options. “Freedom of choice” is a good phrase to hear for most people. But it does not always makes one happy. In fact, research has proven the opposite — you’re better off with little or no choices. Watch this video:

Barry Schwartz on the paradox of choice

I can especially relate with the part about choosing consumer items at a store. I too need just a normal something — like a toothbrush. But going to a store to get one is an utter frustration that I ended up using free toothbrushes I got from hotel rooms instead. The choices had paralyzed me from choosing.

I suspected that some of my unhappiness with the choices I made in life (or the ones I am thinking of making but have not yet made) had something to do with having too many choices to choose from (because I had been designing my life to be that way). But after the talk I had with my friend above, I started to see things differently. My suspicion was confirmed and I gradually managed to inch myself away from this paradox.

When I found the video about a year ago, I thought well… fuck me! Why didn’t I find this sooner?

I often see people who are pushed into a corner, given one final lifeline, but then rise up to the occasion and succeed. Just as often, I also see people who are blessed with a myriad of choices at their disposal but still can’t make anything meaningful out of their lives.