This concept was brought to the forefront by psychologist Barry Schwartz in his 2004 book, The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less.
Schwartz argues that we believe more choices are always better, as they allow us the freedom to find the perfect match for our needs and wants.
However, reality tells a different story. Schwartz identified two key issues that arise when we're faced with an abundance of options:
In the now-famous Jam Study, a stand was set up to sell jam. One group had a selection of 6 flavors, while another was offered 24 flavors. Surprisingly, the group with only 6 choices was 10 times more likely to buy jam than the group with 24 options.
The reason behind this is that our brains struggle when presented with too many alternatives. We become worried about making the wrong choice and facing potential regret. This pressure can be so overwhelming that we freeze up and can't make a decision at all.
In the end, we might just give up. We either avoid making a decision or procrastinate on it.
After all, who wants to stress over jam?
Schwartz further explains that even if we manage to conquer decision paralysis, our satisfaction might still be lacking. This is not just because we might have chosen differently, but also because we tend to compare the appealing features of other options to our final choice.
This can lead to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) on potentially better alternatives.
Take vacation destinations, for example. You might be delighted with your decision to visit the mountains for a week of hiking and tranquility. However, deep down, you could still feel a tinge of envy when you see pictures of your friends lounging on a beautiful tropical beach.
As a result, you might not be as happy with your choice as you initially thought.
“Learning to choose is hard. Learning to choose well is harder. And learning to choose well in a world of unlimited possibilities is harder still, perhaps too hard.” — Barry Schwartz
🎥 If you're curious to learn more, check out Barry Schwartz’s TED Talk.
Let's flip the script and talk about the “Joy of Missing Out”.
In a world that often has us chasing FOMO, JOMO means cherishing moments of solitude and finding delight in our own company.
It's about recognizing that a constant connection to social media or an attempt to catch every event can actually make us miss out on our own lives.
In the age of FOMO, doing less is an underrated skill. By liberating your mind from that competitive and anxious space, you'll have more time and energy to concentrate on your true priorities.
Embracing JOMO helps us appreciate our own lives without falling into the trap of comparison.
To experience JOMO in your life, start by evaluating how you're currently spending your time, and figure out which activities are genuinely intentional and which are driven by others or FOMO.
Make a conscious effort to unplug from social media and engage in activities that you truly enjoy, like immersing yourself in a good book or going for a walk.
Set self-imposed boundaries for choices
Setting self-imposed boundaries means limiting options to simplify decision-making.Steve Jobs always wore the same clothes, a black turtleneck and jeans, to reduce the mental effort of choosing outfits daily.
As Aristotle said, “discipline equals freedom.” By creating rules, standards, and habits you can streamline your options, thus, simplify your day-to-day choices.
Balance positive and negative outlooks
Try to find a balance between looking at the good and the bad in a situation.
When you think about what could have been better, also consider what could have been worse.
For example, if you ate too many chips and feel sick, think about how you could have avoided it (not eating all those chips), but also be thankful that you didn't eat even more.
Don't focus too much on your mistakes or always wish for better. It's good to try to improve, but sometimes you just need to accept things as they are and move on.
Aim for 'good enough' instead of perfection
Lower your expectations for decision outcomes. Embrace the idea of 'good enough' to reduce dissatisfaction.
Commit to your decisions
The option to change our minds can significantly decrease our satisfaction. Accept that “the grass is always greener on the other side” and focus on improving your choice rather than second-guessing it.
Stop comparing yourself to others
Social media and news can be harmful to our well-being, as they often increase our perceived options.
Pay less attention to what others are doing and focus on your own decisions and experiences.
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