Simplify Daily Decisions for a Healthier Mind
WHO:
ABC News - Barry Schwartz, an emeritus psychology professor at Swarthmore University and author of “The Paradox of Choice”
ABC News - Daniel Willingham, a psychology professor and neuroscience researcher at the University of Virginia
ABC News - David Epstein, author of “Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better”
ABC News - Herbert Simon, a psychologist and 1978 Nobel laureate in economics
WHAT:
ABC News - Schwartz stated, “There have been hundreds of studies showing that there can be too much of a good thing.”
ABC News - Schwartz noted that people often end up making worse decisions since more options suggest more potentially bad outcomes.
ABC News - Schwartz explained that the satisfaction problem is especially acute for people whose aim is to get the best, whom psychologists call maximizers, stating, “People who are maximizers especially suffer from the proliferation of options.”
ABC News - Willingham said, “Another way to put it is that if you’re thinking, things are not going well.”
ABC News - Schwartz acknowledged that for people who have trouble making decisions, changing is difficult, but he emphasized, “What happens over time is you find it easier to make decisions, you end up more satisfied with the decisions you make, and all of a sudden, you’ve got an extra two hours in every day.”
ABC News - Research shows that having more options can make people anxious, indecisive, and less happy with their choices.
ABC News - People in states with more choices for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans were less likely to choose any of them.
ABC News - Employees were less likely to sign up for 401(k) investments when companies offered more options, even with matching money.
ABC News - Shoppers bought more jars of artisanal jam when presented with six flavors compared to 24.
ABC News - Students were more likely to complete an extra-credit assignment when given six topics instead of 30.
ABC News - Schwartz stated, “Instead of being liberated by all this choice, you’re paralyzed.”
WHERE:
ABC News - Gourmet grocery store (specific location not provided)
WHY:
ABC News - The proliferation of choices can lead to worse decision-making and dissatisfaction due to fear of missing out on better alternatives.
ABC News - Willingham explained that the brain is designed to save energy, leading people to rely on memory rather than problem-solving.
HOW:
ABC News - Schwartz suggests limiting the number of choices to reduce mental noise.
ABC News - Epstein limits his choices by focusing on the purpose of a purchase and avoiding excessive reviews.
ABC News - Willingham and Schwartz recommend outsourcing some decisions to others for better satisfaction.
(UPDATED July 18, 2026 16:15 UTC)
Schwartz highlighted that while having options can seem beneficial, it often leads to worse decision-making, particularly for those he refers to as "maximizers," who strive for the best outcomes. He pointed out that the abundance of choices can create a satisfaction problem, making it harder for these individuals to feel content with their decisions. However, Schwartz also noted that with time, decision-making can become easier, leading to greater satisfaction and even freeing up extra hours in one's day.
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(UPDATED July 18, 2026 08:32 UTC)
Research from several experts, including Barry Schwartz and Daniel Willingham, reveals that having too many options can lead to anxiety and indecision, making people less satisfied with their choices. For instance, shoppers were more inclined to buy artisanal jam when faced with just six flavors instead of 24, and employees were less likely to enroll in 401(k) plans when presented with a wider array of options. To combat this overwhelming choice, Schwartz suggests limiting options and focusing on the purpose of a purchase, while Willingham recommends outsourcing some decisions to enhance satisfaction.