The Glance for August 12, 2010: Barry Schwartz on avoiding choice overload

I resisted what Barry Schwartz said at first, but occasionally I find myself 'cycling' a decision over and over again in my head. If any of these suggestions appeal to you, you ought to read the whole article.

Scientific American, "The Tyranny of Choice," April 2004, by Barry Schwartz (PDF file from Schwartz's site.)

Few Americans would favor passing laws to limit choices. But individuals can certainly take steps to mitigate choice related distress. Such actions require practice, discipline and perhaps a new way of thinking, but each should bring its own rewards…

  • Choose when to choose
  • Learn to accept 'good enough'
  • Don't worry about what you're missing
  • Control expectations

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