Is it me or is there just too much choice in the world? I’m constantly stupefied by the sheer array of options laid out before me – before I buy anything, before I choose a coffee; pick a place to stay, before I make any damned decision. Whilst typing this tirade against choice, I acknowledge of course that having too much of it is a first world problem – choice is a product of freedom and bounty and there are those in this world who don’t have either. 

I wonder though if all this choice isn’t bad for us? After all we have hectic lives – where any given day has us juggling work, kids, caring, studying responsibilities – so what we really need when we eventually hit the bar stool at the end of the week is a drink – not a choice of fifty Gins – fifty, really? 

It’s an issue that comes up frequently in my work – with clients making life and career choices and with organisations deciding on how best to make progress from a range of business options. Making the right decision – the path to nirvana – is never easy; the right road ahead can be hard to distinguish – so many pros so many cons so many options. It’s easy to freeze and dither – miss out. 

Researchers have examined the issue and concluded – categorically, that an abundance of options/choice can leave us less satisfied with our eventual decision.  My instinct that all this choice in the world is bad for us – turns out to hold some truth. So I‘ve found it helps – from the off – to acknowledge this simple certainty with those in decision paralysis – that too much choice can be confusing at best.

So what’s the answer – especially when we’re faced with so much choice – so many ‘route’ options – how can we tap into our own instinctive, internal GPS, how can we know what’s the right decision. How can we avoid decision paralysis? 

While we’re wrangling a tough decision it might be helpful to acknowledge and relinquish any self blame, I mean with fifty gins to choose from – the odds are you’re going to get it wrong – right? You’re bound to miss out on that exquisite elixir being sipped by someone else! But really, don’t dwell on this state of self-doubt – but strive for simplification.  I know we can’t ignore all the choices life throws at us – but you can strive for simplicity.  There’s a reasonable certainty that absolute certainty may in fact be impossible and you may just have to consider the facts then go with your gut. I’d add that you should involve others – even a coach (but I would)! 

There are books and Ted-talks a plenty on the subject of decision-making – and right now my work has me studying all the emotional, cognitive and neuroscience aspects of this human condition. I know this learning is helping my clients navigate the path to their right outcome. And one Ted talk I find remarkably insightful is that of the latter day philosopher Ruth Chang – (I recommend a watch).  But, for now dear reader, I leave you with a quote from a philosopher from another time: 

“A ‘No’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.”  Ghandi