Spoilt for Choice

In the book The Paradox of Choice (2004), Barry Schwartz says:

"Not all choice enhances freedom. Increased choice among goods and services may contribute little or nothing to the kind of freedom that counts.

Indeed, it may impair freedom by taking time and energy we'd be better off devoting to other matters."

Freedom of choice is a good thing, but we are slowly discovering that it has a limit. There is a point at which it becomes a burden. Excessive choice can set you up to have expectations too high for satisfaction.

Is this also happening in our relationships? Can no one live up to our expectations because we're looking for the elusive "ideal" mate?

As the number of choices keeps growing, there is an increase in stress, decision-making dilemmas, anxiety, fears, and disappointments. Schwartz suggests that:
1. We might be better off if we embrace certain voluntary constraints on our freedom of choice instead of rebelling against all constraints.
2. We might be better off seeking what is "good enough" instead of seeking out the best.
3. We might be better off if we lower our expectations about the results of decisions.
4. We would be better off if we paid less attention to what others were doing or what they were acquiring.

So think about your freedom of choice today.

Is it making your life better? Or has it become a burden?