when faced with overwhelming choice, we are forced to become "pickers," which is to say, relatively passive selectors from whatever is available. Being a chooser is better, but to have the time to choose more and pick less, we must be willing to rely on habits, customs, norms, and rules to make some decisions automatic.
In "The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less," Barry Schwartz discusses the challenges posed by an abundance of choices. When confronted with too many options, individuals often become mere pickers, passively selecting from what's available rather than actively making meaningful decisions. This scenario can lead to feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction as the wealth of options becomes overwhelming.
Schwartz advocates for the idea that being a true chooser is preferable, as it allows for a more deliberate decision-making process. However, to achieve this, individuals must learn to rely on established habits, customs, norms, and rules, enabling them to make some decisions automatically. This approach can free up mental space and time, allowing people to engage more thoughtfully with the choices that matter most.
