I sometimes think the world might be made up of two types of people — those who like big box stores and those who prefer boutiques. Big box stores offer a multitude of choices in a large environment. Boutiques offer fewer choices in a smaller environment. 

Who are you? And, how does this relate to making decisions?

While I patronize big box stores on occasion, I prefer boutiques because, well, to me, they are less stressful.

In the article, “The Psychology of Choice: Why Less is More,” the author quotes Barry Schwartz, psychologist and author of The Paradox of Choice, who said: “When you have all these choices, you have an enormous problem gathering all the information to decide which is the right one. You start looking over your shoulder, thinking that if you’d made a different choice, you’d have done better. So, there’s regret, which makes you less satisfied with what you have chosen, whether or not there’s a good reason to have regrets. It’s easy to imagine there was a better option, even if there wasn’t really, because you can’t possibly examine all of them.” Less choice = more satisfaction. https://www.keepitusable.com/blog/the-psychology-of-choice-why-less-is-more/

What does this mean to you? I’ve found that whether you’re interviewing for a staff position, choosing a speech topic, or selecting a coach, it’s more helpful to identify a few key parameters, needs, or qualities to determine what’s really important to you instead of getting lost in a multitude of considerations.

When I worked primarily as a creative writer and consultant, one of the guiding principles I adopted was this: I don’t have to have the perfect idea – just one that works! I don’t have to come up with all the options and explore each one. I only need one that’s good enough and will get the job done. Then I let the editing and feedback processes do their magic.

This not only prevented writer’s block and helped me let go of my tendency to be perfectionistic, but it also opened up my creativity. I could let go of the stress and trust the process. Perhaps, most importantly, it helped me open to my intuitive instinct, which often led to choosing what I “needed” instead of what I “wanted.” What I needed would often serve my longer-term goal. In other words, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you get what you need!” Thanks, Rolling Stones!

So, next time you’re making a decision, consider how less could be more. Visit a boutique. See how you feel. You could find yourself swimming in all new waters!