Think about the number of choices you have already made today. They might look like this:
- Whether to hit snooze on the alarm?
- Whether to work out in the morning?
- Whether to take a shower?
- What to wear?
- What to eat for breakfast?
- What to pack for lunch?
- What podcast to listen to on the way to work?
- What emails to read?
- What emails to respond to?
This is just the tip a small snapshot of the multiple choices that we make on a daily basis. It is very apparent that as a society were are overwhelmed with choices and that can be draining on our minds and our happiness.
Choice overload can occur when given multiple options. Think to the last time you asked a friend, family member, or colleague, “Where do you want to go to lunch?” The possibilities are endless, and it is very common to hear, “I am not sure,” or “I do not care. You choose.” It is even normal for people to be less satisfied with their choice if there are so many options to choose from. We think, “Maybe this other entree would have tasted better.” We are even more likely to experience regret. So how can we limit our choices and the extra stain they place on us?
Here are a few tips that can help:
- Simplify your wardrobe
- Prematch your outfits for work. You know what is professional and what will match so as you are putting clothes away pair them together for less choice strain in the morning.
- Meal Prep
- Pre cook your meals for the week. This will cut down on choice and time spent cooking during the hectic work week. Plus you can save money and eat healthier.
- Admit that not all tasks are worth doing
- Are you checking your email because you need to, or are you avoiding the assessments you need to grade? Are you tiding your desk because you need to, or are you avoiding the assessments you need to grade? I am sure this list could be much longer. : )
Whether to try some of these strategies is yet another choice, but if you do try them, I hope that your choice overload lessens and you can truly focus on the choices that matter.
For more information, try the links below:
