I started to apply a simple rule described by the writer Derek Sivers. It holds me back when I have the temptation to go full-on, and I start maximizing. When I do that, things go complex, and the clarity of what to choose and why has been lost in that furious process. What do I mean by maximizing?
It means not being satisfied with something that could very well work with some buts, aiming to perfect whatever it is: a travel plan with too much planned in too little time or searching for the perfect jacket. Then you tell yourself: this one would be alright but does not have pit pockets, so I will continue searching. Looking for perfect things that do not exist.
The problem, in my opinion, is multiplied by the Internet, which Derek Siver did not mention. Everything is accessible, and the possibilities are endless. BUT.
Imagine you enter a supermarket. A big one, as big as it gets. You are choosing ketchup, but they have 20 types and brands you never heard of. They all seem nice but the options make you paralyzed. In the end, your impatience let you choose something, or maybe you go with the brand recommended by your friend. The hunt for the perfect ketchup was not successful but you based your choice on instinct. That is not bad.
The Internet takes from us this ability. It is the biggest supermarket on steroids, with endless possibilities that work like venom. Of course, we also have to make rational choices, sometimes…but do we? And where is the line? How about buying a car or a house? Those are serious choices, but do we have to overthink them? Do we have to know everything about the current real estate market, inflation, and ten other factors to make a decision we are comfortable with? Seeking the perfect solution makes it more difficult for us not to regret and compare our choice to all the other options we had considered.
Sometimes, good enough is more satisfying than the perfect solution. Madam and Monsignor, ladies and gentlemen – CORRECTION.
Good enough is almost always more than good. So why do we try to maximize our choices? Looking up reviews of restaurants on Google, doing the top 10 activities in the city we are visiting.
When I think about it, it is even crazier. It is our culture, the Internet, and the productivity hive mind. Most things in life do not need to be perfect. They cannot, and they will not. Another motto I am using to keep myself balanced is “less thinking, more doing”. Do whatever feels right, and do not think too much. You will encounter problems, you will cope with them, then you will move on. That is how it should be.
By maximizing, we are enjoying less. We are occupied by things that are not important, having less time for those that truly matter.
My message to you is: Make your choice today to think less about your choices!