When I become overwhelmed by too many choices

It might be a luxury problem, but on some days like today, I feel overwhelmed by the many great choices I can pick from. I am not referring to choose between Champagne or Oysters, but rather the myriads of choices to be considered everyday for you and me: from the mundane like movies on Netflix, Ted Talks, podcasts, internet tutorials to more profound ones.

Today, I was googling professional development classes and right away got intimidated by the range of choices available. I realised ashamed, that there is no good reason, I still have no handle on Urdu, Coding, or Vegan Cooking. Why is it then, that I sit on my sofa and can’t decide to do anything? Even worse for the indecisive mind: isn’t it, that I can become anything? I can be my best self, possibly gymnast, CEO, inventor or influencer, if I only try and work hard enough.

I am glad that I don’t have to be young these days. Their choices are even more and exciting. You could volunteer with turtles in Hawaii, intern in Iceland, study any combination of course or subject at any level of intensity.

Is a simpler life with less choices better?

I wonder if some are drawn towards weird conspiracy theories and extremists that want to destroy modern life because they long for easy answers to an overwhelmingly complex world? It isn’t a modern phenomenon either, „cut down complexity“ are ancient tricks to navigate the world better. Think „Ten Commandments“ (Follow these to ensure a better life), „Seven Plagues“ (what to look out for and how to avoid them), „Four Riders of the Apocalypse“ (when you see those? RUN!).

When faced with the impossible task to chose one thing over the MANY other, possibly equally good or possibly, (worse!) even better options, it is tempting to wish for a less complex life. But beware: choices can be hard and annoying. However, having less choices is not at all the best fix.

Sometimes it simply takes time on the sofa, staring into the empty void and doing nothing much at all to find the inner calm and a sense of direction. Talk to a friend. Let all the convoluted thoughts tumble out. That’s what I did and I realised:

7 Truths about too many choices

• it is a blessing to have many choices – ask anyone with no choice
• choosing now does not close the avenues to all the other choices: perhaps, I can return and try other things later
• not choosing anything does not make my life any better
• overthinking is the death of joy
• wrong choices can be the most valuable of all as they teach us important stuff about choosing right for us
• what is right for others, must not be right for me, so, trust your own choices
• give it a try and see where the journey takes you.

So, I signed up for a class. Now, I am excited to attend it in a few weeks.

In the worst case, I wasted time and money but gained experience and clarity. In the best case, I enjoy it, learn things I can apply in my life and meet new friends.

And, taking the leap of faith and closing in on one choice gives confidence to repeat the glorious step for other less or more important choices lying ahead!