The Paradox of Choice: How to Make Decisions So You Don't Regret Them Later

Today we have countless options: dozens of types of coffee, hundreds of films, thousands of goods in stores. It would seem this should make us happier, yet an excessive number of choices can lead to doubt, anxiety, and disappointment. This phenomenon is called the "paradox of choice".

Especially for LIGA.net Psychologist Anna Khomiv said:

• what the "paradox of choice" is and why it occurs;
• how an excess of options affects our psyche;
• Does unlimited choice really raise expectations and lead to disappointment?
• why we worry and devalue our own decision after making a difficult choice;
• What signals indicate that we are "stuck" in a choice trap?
• what steps can help reduce anxiety and learn to enjoy your choice;
• how to live amidst a multitude of opportunities and maintain inner harmony.

What is the "paradox of choice" and why does it occur?

The paradox of choice is a psychological phenomenon where a large number of options makes life more difficult instead of making it happier. It arises from the excessive possibilities of the modern world: a person often spends more time, effort, and nerves trying to make the "perfect" choice. This is exhausting and leads to feelings of guilt, shame, or regret, as well as doubts such as: "Is this really the right choice?"

How an excessive number of options affects our psyche.

People face the paradox of choice every day. As American psychologist Barry Schwartz explains in his book... The Paradox of ChoiceExcessive opportunities (variety of options) can:

• to reinforce the fear of making or repeating a mistake, fueling existing perfectionism;
• to breed constant doubts ("what if another option would have been better?");
• increase the level of anxiety;
• reducing satisfaction even after a decision has been made.

For example, when choosing coffee, a person spends a lot of time looking for a drink "better than the previous one," but even after purchasing it, they may be plagued by doubts about whether the choice was successful.

And when it comes to choosing a partner, the thought "maybe there's someone better" reduces the willingness to invest in existing relationships or forces one to endlessly search for an imaginary "ideal" that doesn't actually exist.

Unlimited choice more often leads to doubt and can result in even greater disappointment later on – including self-doubt, as it seems that we are "unable to make the right choice". As a result, we create additional challenges for ourselves and get bogged down in overthinking when there are too many options.

Why do we often feel anxious and devalue our decision after making a difficult choice?

We always strive for "better," and this often becomes one of the main reasons for devaluing our own choices. Constant comparisons, uncertainty, and the fear of missing out only amplify this feeling.

What are the first signs that we are "stuck" in the paradox of choice?

The paradox of choice initially manifests as daily hesitation, but can later develop into a feeling of constant dissatisfaction with one's life and decisions. Among the first signs of being "stuck" in the choice trap, we can identify:

• obsessive thoughts like: "What if something else would have been better?", "What if this is the wrong decision?";
• spending too much time on trivial decisions (we spend longer choosing coffee than we do drinking it; choosing a movie takes longer than watching it);
• postponing important decisions for weeks or even months, which leads to missed opportunities;
• a constant underlying feeling that "there's something better out there" (for example, "there's nothing to wear," even though there are plenty of clothes in the closet; or the endless search for the "perfect" option).

What practical steps can be taken to reduce anxiety associated with decision-making and learn to enjoy the decisions made?

This is an important question, because we usually don't realize that we've fallen into the trap of the paradox of choice. But what can be used daily to reduce the effects of this phenomenon?

• The "Good enough" technique (recall a choice situation, imagine the ideal option, name the "good enough" option – the one you chose / that satisfies basic needs, say to yourself aloud: "I allow myself to choose good enough")
• experiencing the choice in action (paying attention to your own emotions / thoughts / body reactions)
• to practice small elections
• limiting options (try choosing from a minimum number of options)
• gratitude techniques / grounding / mindfulness
• "decision timer" (giving yourself a time limit for making a choice, setting a timer or alarm)
• release from oversinking after a decision has been made

How to learn to live in a world with many opportunities and not lose your sense of inner harmony.

The world is currently overflowing with opportunities, and this can be both a freedom and a major source of anxiety.

Staying in harmony can be difficult, but to avoid losing yourself in this sea of choices:

• Identify your own values and capabilities ("what do I really need?");
• focus on the experience, not the outcome ("this coffee wasn't tasty, even though all the stars drink it");
• Trust yourself, accept yourself and your own decisions ("my choice is good enough");
• Learn to enjoy and be happy (train your ability to be grateful for what you have).

Harmony comes when we are able to utilize available opportunities and respect our own decisions. In any case, remember that decisions can always be changed or transformed into experience (as needed).

The world is full of opportunities, and this is often what gives rise to the paradox of choice: we get lost in an abundance of options, become anxious, and devalue our own decisions in pursuit of an illusory "ideal."

In this flood of excessive options, it's worth trusting yourself, relying on your own values, allowing yourself to be "good enough" instead of perfect, and learning to appreciate what you've already chosen or to change your choice if it's truly necessary. Because true freedom lies not in the number of options, but in the ability to appreciate what you already have.