In a world saturated with possibilities, the fear of making the “wrong” choice can paralyze us, or push us to want to experience everything, even if it means exhausting us. Optimize every decision, keep all doors open, say yes to everything… So many reflexes often dictated by the fear of missing out. But this quest for the best only fuels frustration. What if true freedom consisted of choosing less, but better? Planning with intention, giving up without guilt, and refocusing on the essential: so many keys to moving forward more serenely, and above all, without regrets.
Develop effective plans to achieve your goals
Research in behavioral psychology shows that we are more likely to achieve our goals when we set implementation intentions—that is, specific plans describing how we intend to take action. “Rather than limiting yourself to good intentions, it is recommended to formulate a concrete and structured plan. Start by identifying what you don’t want to let go of this week, this month or during the year. Then, detail the implementation methods: with whom will you carry out this action? What preparations are necessary in advance?” deciphers philosopher Jen Zamzow on Psychology Today.
Don’t try to optimize every decision
Studies have shown that the constant search for the best option can, paradoxically, harm our well-being and reduce our satisfaction with the choices we make. How do you know if you are falling into this trap? “Observe your expectations and the time you spend making decisions. Do you spend hours reading reviews, comparing each product, or exploring all the available alternatives in hopes of finding the perfect option? Are you hesitant to say “yes” to an invitation, preferring to wait to see if a better opportunity presents itself? suggests the philosopher. If so, you risk setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead of aiming for perfection, Jen Zamzow suggests taking inspiration from Nobel Prize winner Herbert Simon’s approach of going with the first option that meets your criteria of “good enough.” This strategy, called satisficing, allows you to make effective decisions while preserving your mental balance.
Stop wanting to be everywhere at once
Unlike those who have difficulty committing, others have difficulty saying no. This tendency to want to do everything often stems from the same fear that fuels our quest for perfection: FOMO (fear of missing out). But wanting to experience everything, to experience everything, can prove counterproductive. “Like overoptimization, this overload of activities can reduce our well-being and weaken our ability to achieve our goals. Research shows that implementation intentions are most effective when they are not scattered across too many commitments. notes the specialist. So identify what really matters to you, and learn to let go of the rest. Rather than focusing on what you could lose, focus on what you are gaining: time, energy, clarity.