What is paradox of choice?
Do you regularly struggle through it? I certainly do
So what?
ICYMI – Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by choices? Welcome to the paradox of choice. In a society where options are abound and decisions are abundant, it’s a modern conundrum that permeates your life in ways that you might not even realise. Say you are strolling down the aisle of a store, only to be paralysed by the amount of choices you have of cereal boxes or mindlessly scrolling through Netflix titles that paralyses you from asking a decision. The paradox of choice is an excess of choices that lead to stress, anxiety and, ultimately, dissatisfaction.
In this blog series, we are going to discuss the five strategies that you should implement in your life. Join us for the next few blog posts to deal with the hidden impact of choice overload and discover what you can do to lead a more balanced and fulfilled life.
Practicing mindfulness
The paradox of choice leaves us with the feeling of adrift and it’s during these times that practice of mindfulness offers a path to clarity and serenity. Begin by making time for moments in your day for intentional awareness. Take time to engage in activities mindfulness like meditation, deep breathing exercises or taking a pause to notice your surroundings. You will create a mental space to allow you to take a look at your choices with clarity. Not only mindfulness will equip you with a way to reduce anxiety and stress, you will become more attuned to your surroundings and emotions.
Embracing imperfection
The first step to this strategy is to acknowledge that perfection is an illusion and elusive. Every choice comes with its own set of pros and cons. You need to understand that it’s totally normal for choices to have both positive and negative aspects. Focus on options that align with your values and/or priorities rather than looking for flaws within your options. Be free to make choices that are not flawless and are best fit for you. By embracing imperfection, you will break free from overanalysing and find greater joy and contentment administered all the other options you have.
What now?
- Take a moment out of your busy day to have a breather.
- Come back next week to round out this blog series.