The average adult makes around 35,000 decisions per day, according to researchers. From small choices like what to eat to life-changing decisions like where to live, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. This phenomenon is known as choice overload, a condition where too many options make decision-making more difficult and stressful.
In their book, Out of Your Mind, authors Jorge Cham and Dwayne Godwin dive deep into how our brains process decisions and why having too many choices can negatively impact our well-being. Here’s how choice overload affects you and how you can simplify decision-making to reduce stress.
Why Too Many Choices Lead to FOMO and Anxiety
One major consequence of choice overload is the fear of missing out (FOMO). According to Cham and Godwin, when people are faced with too many options, they often:
✔ Compare their choices to others
✔ Second-guess their decisions
✔ Feel regret, even after making a decision
This is due to social comparison, where individuals feel like someone else made a better decision than they did. In today’s digital age, social media amplifies this effect, making it even easier to compare our lives with those of others.
A study mentioned in Out of Your Mind found that people’s happiness increased with income—but only when they weren’t comparing their earnings to others. Those who perceived their income as lower than their peers experienced a decrease in happiness, reinforcing the idea that constant comparison leads to dissatisfaction.
How to Avoid Choice Overload and Simplify Your Life
Too many options might seem like a good thing, but research suggests that limiting choices can lead to greater happiness. Cham and Godwin highlight how Buddhist monks embrace simplicity to avoid the stress of complex decision-making.
Tips to Overcome Choice Overload:
✅ Minimize unnecessary decisions: Simplify daily choices by sticking to routines. For example, plan meals in advance or adopt a capsule wardrobe to reduce decision fatigue.
✅ Prioritize what truly matters: Not all decisions deserve the same level of attention. Focus your energy on the big, meaningful choices and automate or simplify the rest.
✅ Limit comparisons: Avoid constantly checking social media, as it can fuel self-doubt and FOMO. Instead, focus on your own personal progress and goals.
✅ Seek external opinions: If a decision feels overwhelming, consult someone you trust to gain a new perspective and make the choice easier.
✅ Embrace minimalism: Reduce clutter—both mentally and physically—to experience greater clarity and peace of mind.
The Power of Simplicity
While having some choices is beneficial, excessive options can increase stress and reduce happiness. The key is to strike a balance—allow yourself enough choices to feel in control, but not so many that decision-making becomes exhausting.
By adopting simpler decision-making strategies, you can reduce anxiety, boost happiness, and gain clarity in life. Next time you feel overwhelmed by too many choices, take a step back and prioritize what truly matters—your well-being and peace of mind.
