Written by: July 7, 2024
The art of satisficing to reclaim time and enjoy your choices more:
Principle-First
We’ve all seen it: the aspiring author who spends months researching the best note-taking tools rather than actually writing…
The golfer who spends more time looking at clubs than practicing at the driving range…
The painter who spends weeks researching the best brushes, paints, and canvases instead of putting brush to canvas and creating art…
The thinnest line is between research and procrastination.
This is true for both the material items we purchase and the experiences we seek (the movies we watch, the restaurants we eat at, the destinations we travel to, and more).
And often, this overabundance of options doesn't just delay action—it makes the eventual choice less enjoyable.
So, how do we break free from this cycle of paralysis by analysis? Enter the concept of satisficing.
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Impact (9.5/10)
Satisficing is a decision-making strategy where individuals settle for a “good enough” solution rather than optimizing for the best possible choice. (Economist and cognitive psychologist Herbert A. Simon pioneered it.)
Satisficing isn't about settling for mediocrity; it's about making smart, efficient choices that free up your time and mental energy for what truly matters.
Here’s more research that supports the value of “good enough”:
- The Paradox of Choice, introduced by psychologist Barry Schwartz, suggests that while having some choices is beneficial, too many options can lead to anxiety and buyer’s remorse.
- The Jam Experiment, conducted by psychologists Sheena Iyengar and Mark Lepper, illustrates the Paradox of Choice. It demonstrated that while people are attracted to many choices, they’re less likely to purchase when presented with too many options. In the experiment, shoppers were less likely to buy jam when offered 24 varieties compared to 6.
Satisficing is the key to combatting the Paradox of Choice (and maximizing satisfaction from your decisions).
Onwards to the 3-step process…
Setup (7.5/10)
1. Limit your options: Remember the Jam Experiment and keep your choices below 6. Having too many options leads to decision fatigue.
2. Set time limits: Allocate a specific amount of time for researching and deciding. Small choices, like a new kitchen pan, might take 30 minutes. Bigger decisions, like a new laptop, could take an entire afternoon.
3. Establish criteria and weigh the options: Suppose you’re evaluating that new laptop. Features include battery life, processing power, product design, price, etc. Consider which features matter most to you, then choose the product that meets your priorities.
Maintenance (7.5/10)
Regularly revisit your decision-making process to ensure you're not slipping back into the habit of over-researching.
Celebrate the successes of your “good enough” choices and reflect on how they have freed up your time and mental energy.
BRINGING IT HOME
“Done is better than perfect.” —Sheryl Sandberg
A pattern I’ve noticed in successful people: They have a bias for action. They practice satisficing—choosing tools and strategies that meet their basic needs— so they can start doing and learning.
Progress comes from action, not endless deliberation. Satisficing will keep you moving forward.
All systems go,
P.S. Instagram is a goldmine of wisdom. But many of the top posts are hard to find. Here are 10 of the best posts I’ve encountered.
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